To tell the truth Jamie, why do you care what everyone else thinks?
Make it your own in your own personal style. The basics are there, a good buggy and good engine. Its more than capable of holding its own down at the track as long as you can drive it well. As you need to replace stuff just add some choice bits and anyone who doesn't like how many spokes its got can race you.
Lots of people forget its a model hobby and its all down to personal taste as long as you buy smart, which it seems you have.
just my 2 cents (tuppence, depending on what side of the pond your on) worth.