Since when does Dan value things by price paid? That goes against the entire value proposition of UR, MR and SPG.
While we can all sit here and play "armchair Dan"/make up theories about how he is or is not being compensated, Dan has stated numerous times that this trip is priceless and a "bucket list" item for him. If anything, the value is more than the retail price!
If I had 12 days and $15k to spare and also didn't struggle with motion sickness, I'd be there in a heartbeat., and I think my wife would understand.