You dont have to fight the humongous spinners.
Thats why RR, our main event organizer, has the white board fights.

Now, on resources and material. Hardox for example is quite cheap compared to Ti or even polycarbonate. And for batteries/charger Its all in what you want to build and achive.

I spend more than £2000 last year on robot wars, and I have only an ant, not even build by myself. But am getting a complete workshop. What gives me the opportunity to build better parts.

And this is another way of doing RW. Dont start a team, but search for a team what can use you to build better machines without adding loads of cash.

I myself just go to events and offer my expertise on certain technologies.