Mistake number 1: Letting people know what you are planning. LOL Really it's no one's business but your DH and yours. How will you feel if you listen to the mob? There you will be a few years from now wishing you had a LA. but you don't because Maud said you didn't need one.
I would suggest you go to a shop that had a LA to rent and rent it for a few days. Even if you have to go to another town or state, it will still be worth it if you find you do not care for using one. If you love it then money well spent to not feel guilty about the purchase. Anticipation of getting something wanted big or little needs to be in everyone's life.