I think the issue of cost is fairly simple , it doesnt matter how you got it, the cost would be judged on the open market value that it would cost anyone else to buy it. Sponsorship would then be a means of gaining entry to a higher class with a competitive machine as opposed to beating up smaller less costly machines.

This is not in any way intended as a criticism of those building with expensive parts however they obtain them. It is merely a thought based on taking a bit of time out to mull over why the sport was losing its edge, fun and challenge for me personally. Featherweights were fun for me when the only bar was my own ability, we can all learn new skills. Sadly we cant all afford more costly parts and the amount of sponsorship for a fairly low profile sport is limited. To be honest Id rather spend my time and efforts in the workshop with a few cheap bits, than chasing sponsors and then explaining why there was no pot of gold in it for them.

I like the idea of creating a higher class as opposed to a lower/lesser class as it gives us all a target and a dream to aim for. Its a small point maybe, but it seems far better to create a gold standard we can all aspire too, than an also rans class. We can all dream of that mythical cheap machine that is competitive in the higher class