You're pretty wrong about a lot of stuff you've said on here. You can actually shoot at a higher bit rate on a GoPro in comparison to a t3i, as well as control the white balance. ISO is set to auto, which is indeed a downside, but doesn't make the camera any less great then a t3i.
GoPro uses the same cameras you would find on the shelves of stores to make their commercials. They aren't using some sort of special camera that allows them to make their footage that much more amazing.
The "shitty helmet and Chest mount footage" is an example of the user of the camera not knowing how to use the camera to its potential.
The GoPro is a great camera and great videos have been made by it. It's cheap, durable, and produces a relatively high quality product. (Can't complain about 2.7K/30, 1080/60, and 720/120)
You also mention that a t3i is $500 used, meaning no warranty. Then you're spending at least $250 for a glidecam, and even more for a good lens. Now we're talking of spending over $1000 for a camera setup, which isn't what OP asked for.
Also just FYI, the only difference between the Hero3 black and the Hero3+ black is the battery life, wifi chip, and lens. Other than that they are pretty much the same, not really a huge improvement and the Hero3+ comes with a much larger price tag.
