I feel roughly the same, I’ll check again when the platform is a bit more mature (There’s a new BIOS out that apparently reduces cache/RAM latency, but I’m waiting on the next one).
As for the pricing, in NZ the R7 1700 is quite a lot cheaper than 6800K.
1700 = $488.
6800K = $669, and any CPU cooler will add another ~$50+.
Cheapest X99 mobo will set you back $450, while a B350 AM4 mobo can be had for ~$150.
So over here at least, an 1800X system can be had for back less than a 6800K one.
Just had a look and a 1700 system is about the same as a 6700K/7700K system here (the CPU itself is around $50 cheaper).
I did expect the compilation performance to be a bit higher though.