I can't see how this suspension was modified to this state for $500. have you priced air bags, compressors, custom A arms, on and on. I have $500 in mine and I'm not on air.
Remember the truck isn't this low while cruizing, just when parked. Air ride is great for styling while parked. It is actually pretty touchy about the pressures that the vehicle rides well. Each vehicle seems to have a little different sweet spot for pressures. Hopefully, but not always, that sweet spot is at the ride height for driving.
I can't make the connection with air ride and old style or rat vehicles. Air is new high tech, unlike the design of rods of old.
Do I like it? YES.