The M-7s do cost a bit, that is for sure, but find a 185 in the same condition and then measure prices, condition makes a big difference.
My mechanic told me the average owner flies a maule between 50-150 hours total, or over 1,000. Group one scares themselves and will never get in it again, (mine came from such an owner), the other learns to fly it and finds they can do most everything they desire while carrying the kitchen sink.
One advantage of them is price of parts. Just your average Cessna part starts at $1,000, my tail steering fork was less than $200.
The short wings do reduce lift, so we compensate with lots of power. Admittedly I am not any great with the plane yet, but it is coming. They do not fly like the Cessna, or cub. Until it becomes natural to fly them like a Maule they will not seem to perform.
The M-5 210 I was instructing a guy in we had two BIG guys in front, and one average in back and lots of fuel. Impressive out of the water on a calm day. Again, you need to fly it different than the Cessna.
There seem to be people that hate the aircraft without much knowledge- usually parrot from others; there are also those that got bit by one in the past that dislike them due to their past experience- they do not suffer fools lightly, nor do pacers.
I don't know what your goal is, but the M-5 is not super expensive, and will do well for performance.
Are you looking to continue instructing? Or have another gig up your sleeve?