I never touched a cast iron pan in my life growing up, it simply wasn't a thing. My ex had one and shortly after we met I was cleaning up his kitchen for him, found his nasty crusty cast iron pan and washed it. (We didn't have Internet then so it's not like I would have looked it up). His Australian parents were horrified. I still hate the filthy things.

I paid $25 for a new Lodge...

People that can't handle cast iron are the same that can't get their car's oil changed on time.
After breakfast this morning I washed my skillets with the other dishes. The only difference is I put it on the stove to dry.

More expensive? There's always a few at every thrift store for cheap p

I got a fridge magnet like this a while ago for a friend:

It helps with iron deficiency.

I don't know if people will be angry with me but I just cook in it for iron. So I just clean it normally with water later (no soap most of the time). Heat it to dry, and apply a bit of oil and store it. That way I never have grimes and dirty pieces there.