I quite like camping, although I haven't done loads of it, and I've never yet toured and camped, as in moving on each day. I'd like to, someday.
You have gotta go for it - although with a trike you might need to get a trailer - blown the budget already
There is of course the outlay issue. You might get all the good gear you need for £500, but if you haven't got £500 up front, you either buy cheaper kit (which may, or may not last well) or you pay as you go in hostels etc...
Yes - you buy budget stuff - pick a good time of the year - pick a place to tour with reasonable weather - you do not go to Western Norway where it rains 75% of the time, the westerly winds blow gale force on a regular basis and it can be sub-zero below the glaciers even in late summer - and then upgrade with better stuff as your touring ambitions become greater
I've also heard it said that it's good, when you are cycle camping, to have a night 'off' everyso often in a hotel or B and B, just to have a bit of a stretch in a big bed, and a touch of luxury. Sounds fine to me!
Yes - its just a matter of budgeting for those occasions