Yes, it was exactly like that, but after changing 1-2 O-rings, it turned out pretty good. As you mentioned, it’s pricey, and for me (currently), this still crosses the threshold of what I would spend on an RTA.
The last one was the Cocoon, which I bought about a year ago as an Ulton clone, and I liked it so much that in spring I also bought the original. Now Steampipes (too) has closed… 