I have a question first: Does she have a sister? You have truly married a saint! Monetary support (?) and 15 models on the way? Wow!
Painting: I too have done the switch, and thanks to the many suggestions and encouragements from the list members, it was a very wise switch. My model builds are now more 'presentable' and rewarding. Still learning though. Perhaps in 10 or 15 years I will be up to the skill levels of some here.
I do the brush painting for areas that would be senseless to dirty up the air-brush; landing gear, chrome highlights, cockpit details and such. But that makes sense. I went the less expensive route, still enjoyable, but I am on the quest to upgrade.