As far as not R/C not being competitive just ask boaters. The problem arises when someone says "hey I'd like to try pattern" then he looks at the price tags.

Now I've been told that I could fly Sportsman and Intermediate with only a Ultra Sport 60 but after that I'd have to get a "real" pattern ship. Well I can't see myself explaining to my wife the $1000 USD I just spent on an airplane only includes the foam wings and a fuselage.

When you say there are Sportsman and Intermediate classes for those that can't afford the big ships. What happens when you win those classes. In Canada anyway, once you win a few times you are forced to step up to the next class.

This is where my concern lies. I feel that with time and practice I can get to that spot but I can't afford to move up a class. Since I'm not allowed to stay where I am and can't afford a better plane what do I do? Quit pattern flying?

If Formula 1 has to cut costs for teams to survive why can't modelers do the same thing?