the kits are nice. but not like a kit like your thinking.
the info for the 'kit' for the group diy projects are just on here. just takes a bit more digging around to find the info.
i'm sorta in your same boat. the biggest problem ive found is that the info is either old, outdated parts, parts they dont make anymore, parts not avail. in certain countries, ect ect ect.
aka undocumented.
your best bet is to find a BOM (build of materials) that have part numbers to mouser or digikey in them. that will take 99% of the BS out of the search.
the 312 im doing right now, greg did a good BOM for it. (thanks Greg)
not so much luck with the other ones though.
also, 100$ is slim, even for DIY. i mean, a 1u rack case is going to cost you probably 30-50$ :?
sucks, alot of unseen cost like connectors, switches, case, PSU are the main factor for cost for all of my current builds. the actual parts are cheap as crap.
hope that sheds some light, ask anymore questions you have, i'll try to help as much as i can
:thumb:
taylor