Man, you certainly got that right! ... and I've blown a few bucks ... once again paying Taxi guys just to get me OUT!

Are GPS units getting cheaper? Seems everytime I look the latest ones seem to go for about $600 to $800 usd. Am I missing a deal somewhere?
Would you ever risk buying a used or Ebay refurbished one? ....

Then I'll just need someone to answer all my idiotic GPS NOOB questions!

No such thing as dumb questions about GPS (well, almost anyway...), because people use them in so many different ways, and until you have used one fairly extensively yourself it is difficult to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses.

I guess some of the "true adventurers" refuse to use GPS because they prefer the challenge of getting lost and then trying to communicate with locals with whom they don't share a language. In my view, such interactions very often result in miscommunications, misunderstandings, and lots of wasted time, and so are very frustrating. They could also lead to dangerous/unpleasant circumstances if they direct you to the wrong place. But I guess some people enjoy the challenge...

Regarding GPS--yes, the new ones always seem to cost about the same amount--$600-800. I would buy a used/refurbed one, either from somewhere like ADVRider or eBay. Some people buy a new GPS everytime a new one comes out, so there are some lightly used ones out there, although of course you need to vet the vendor as thoroughly as possible. I would try to buy one with maps pre-installed for the area that you want, and again, one that gives oral directions. Personally I like the ones that also play music, because I listen to music when I ride. Also, don't forget to get a mount and make sure you can wire it to the bike (saves hassles, batteries).

You could probably get a used Zumo 550 for a couple hundred bucks at this point--they are great, and I've been using one for several years (one died after a rough trip).

In Europe the signs are set up to direct you to the central train station .. where you'll find a tourist office .. and maps .. and staff who may help with what ever you want. Parking can be difficult .. look for a cop and sign language for parking/help.

But I like my GPS..

it finds things that I ride right past .. several times! A hotel in a back ally but with the address in the main street... ok if your walking but with traffic on the bike?

it takes me to places I'd never go to .. through routing choices... mine has;

avoid toll roads (tick)
avoid u turns (tick)
avoid highways (sometimes ticked - if I'm in a no hurry adventure mood)

a slider bar - one end 'prefer minor roads' other end 'prefer highways' (generally in the middle)

A choice as to route either
'Shortest route' (interesting back roads can be shorter than the highway .. by a meter or two!)
or
'Fastest Route" (can lead to motorways and traffic jams )

As you can see the number of choices you make for your routing method will have an impact on the route it shows you ... if you know the way then you might be surprised at its choices.. change the settings and see what it does then.. I've actually found better routes than the ones I've been using for years locally!

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They are a fun toy. If the map is accurate I've used it in fog to tell me what is coming - 90 deg corner left etc. When in traffic I ignore it .. and miss the turns .. it will recalculate and give me another route. I'd not be without it. The trick is to get good maps. If you use OSM then looking at a satellite view and check that OSM has details for the places you are heading. If not add the detail to OSM .. then you and everyone else has that detail for your GPS.