Hi Jared,
I wouldn't rush to sell your AV Pilot; you WILL need it. I can imagine that your a bit strapped-for-cash at the mo, but as your flying becomes more and more proficient, and you start getting significant height gains above TO, or fly further away from the ridge, your body has no sense of altitude gain (or loss).
There is also a question of safety, ie. when flying among other pilots you'll need to take anti-collision measures. It might be clear as to which way you'll need to turn laterally, but if there are pilots above and below you, you'll need to know if your climbing,or dropping.
Getting above the one grand barrier is always a big thrill for most pilots in their early flying days; you won't know this if you haven't got a vario.
I have an AV Pilot and would recommend it to anyone; it's a good bit of kit.
