I see no way of getting my job(s) done without an MCU. However, in some cases they'll cost <<$1. The fact is, nearly no useful work can be accomplished at all without, not only an MCU, but also a considerable amount of "other stuff," e.g. hardware to drive motors, blink lights, etc.

Since each unit will have to indicate who he is and what he wants, as well as know when he's allowed to say that, it's likely they'll not be doing without a microcontroller of some sort.

RE