Thanks for the insightful comments. I see that the American competitive spirit, yet again, cannot be restrained. IOW, now matter how the originators intended to create a level playing field, the hardcore guys insist on making it (WHATEVER the endeavor) an equipment race. That is one of the things that drove me out of my other hobby, competitive pistol shooting, and into THIS hobby.

And I swore I'd never get involved in organized competition again.

Oh, well. I think I'll still pursue this anyway. It is bound to make me a "better" pilot, regardless of whether or not I do any competing.