Pattern today doesn't have to be hard or expensive. There are many low cost alternatives that are viable competitive planes. The Icepoint, Dream 110,Quest, Arresti3 and many others done with a 2 stroke engine are within the means of most modelers. The argument about pattern being too expensive doesn't really apply to these options. And yes they can be very competitive. I would venture to say that these planes are less expensive than some of the planes we flew in the 80's when adjusted for inflation. They are also much easier to build and they do fly well.
Now given all that you I would agree that you can also drop 5 grand on a plane. It's just not neccesary.
Mike