"So does cutting a hole in the side of a nice instrument to put in a control panel/battery box."

Well, I wouldn't go that far... that wee hole cut in the side is not gonna effect the accoustic sound of a guitar enough to worry about... I'd much rather have the control pannel right there on the top of the guitar where it's in easy reach...

And well, yer right aobut the money thing... If I was just goofin off at home (not that that's a BAD thing!!) then it wouldn't be an issue...

I'd also almost rather NOT play than have to play with my guitar mic'd...

Or so it seems to me...

;-)