Being cheap isn't the main the real reason to do this sans' hops. The reasons are simply.
LBHS is closed till Friday.. SWMBO is away till Friday
SWMBO already hates when I take over the kitchen.. so I have a few days I can do that without listening to her.
First All-grain, so doing it more to see what the result is than anything else and I have a 12lb bag of 2 row malt sitting at my house that was gift, a yeast starter ready to go from my last batch of octoberfest, and I can corn flakes and minute rice and honey at the store. It makes for a easy first attempt. With not a lot invested.
As for WHY about the Honey.. See my signature
I simply like honey in my beers, adds an authentic sweetness and aroma that I don't get from malt, it also bumps the ABV without bringing on the alcoholic heat. Everyone that has tried my MarZzzzens have liked them. Told me they almost have a Belgian Quad character, but smoother.
Lastly for earth tones.. when ever I have done the partial mash in my octoberfests before I added hops.. I taste it to make sure it has the subtle character I like.. and it usually has a grainy earthy tone to it.. Maybe the grains in the kit..
Overall just experimenting.. and curious what will happen.
As mentioned, looking around, what it looks like is I will be making a lagered braggot mead when its all said and done. Could be good, or taste like sugar water.. or dirty sugar water. I know no matter what it will never be the worst thing I made.. that will always be my first batch ever, it was really really bad.