I think the 502s are pricey for what you get yes, unless you can score a used one or a good deal on a new one with warranty. And if you have experience building basic small blocks yourself, you could easily build a 496 if you find a good 454 4 bolt block core. I can't do it, but sounds like you can
I like the idea of a simple carbed big block and sometimes wish I had just done a simple carbed 540 vs the EFI procharged 406 small block I have now.