I think this comment is directed to an earlier post I did.
My only use for the homemade vanilla is food preparation.
I only tried my own vanilla extraction out of curiousity and as a possible project recommendation to my local herb society. Regardless of toxicity, chemistry or happenstance flavoring foibles, the end product turned out beyond expectations, and has pleased everyone I sent it to as a stocking stuffer. Plus I had the thrill and pride of crafting my own vanilla.
Not being in the vanilla trade I never gave a thought to the cost efficiency of doing my own extracting. If you have need for concern with the price of materials, time tradeoff, volume benefits and shelf life, I would agree that one should purchase retail vanilla with the best reputation available at $15-20 per 8 oz. container.
I've always preferred being a DIYer--that's just who I am.