Is the Concept2 RowErg really worth the price over a $500 air rower?

Across the reviewers we read, the consensus is yes for serious or long-term use. Specialist communities like r/concept2 and r/Rowing repeatedly call it the 'gold standard' for durability, resale value and data accuracy via the PM5 monitor. Budget air rowers from GMWD and PASYOU get praise for getting people started, but reviewers flag concerns about long-term build and monitor accuracy.