RE: 4 stroke engines
Mamma always said "If something's worth doin, it's worth doin' right."
Yeah, I can't afford that either but a guy can dream.
Back to the topic... Fuel consumption shouldn't be a consideration in my opinion. I've run both two and four cycles and the cost of fuel didn't cross my mind.
Yeah, four strokes have their place. It's nice to turn a bigger prop if you want to. Some people like the sound better. Some people mistakenly state that they are quieter.
But if you want to go fast, nothing but a two cycle will do.