Ken, you make some great points. In my NSRCA district (D6), we are throwing around the idea of a "pre-Sportsman" class where 2m ships are not allowed. This will make it much easier for budding pattern pilots to get in the sport. Some pilots, including myself, have won Sportsman and Intermediate with 50 sized ships. It's not always necessary to have the best gear, but skill is mandatory.
Many pilots stay in the same class for years and years, mostly because they have reached their skill limit, or don't want to take the time to move up. The only pressure we have to move up is when you reach 100 points in a calendar year, or in some cases a competitor wins a district championship. Either way, most pilots at that level of competency want to move up.
I reduce my travel costs by sharing a motel for the weekend. This and bringing my meals helps a lot. Get involved with your district and see if a 1 day contest can be arranged. They have been done this way for years, as long as the pilot count is less than about 20.


Gary