Yes, all my my plants are real.
Yes, planted is more expensive, but most is start up cost. And also it depends on how much light you want, what plants, etc. Once I switch to live plants, I told myself I will never go back to fake again.
Not sure exactly what pics are on here seeing I haven't been here for a while. Guess I need to update them. Here is a link to my journal on the website I normally visit.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/tank-journals-photo-album/66038-mikess-210-gal-journal-major-rescape.html