Fred;
I was not trying to say that some of the top competitors don't spend $$$ on their equipment. I was trying to point out that you don't have to spend big bucks to have fun flying combat or model aircraft of all types. I repeatedly see people complaining about the cost of "being competitive".
Here's the truth: The average modeler will never be a "top competitor" for many reasons and that's fine. I just get tired of hearing people claim that expensive engines and models is what's keeping them from being a "top competitor" or keeping them from enjoying the hobby. That's like claiming the cost of a set of golf clubs and a couple golf shirts is whats keeping someone off of the Pro golf Tour. A serious combat competitor "someone who wants to make the USA F2D team, or wants to shoot for MACA #1 will come to realize the cost of engines and airplanes is a small part of the budget. The real cost of competing will include hotels, airline tickets, entry fees, gas, and time (lots of time) practicing, trimming airplanes, repairing airplanes, rebuilding engines, etc., etc. There were 60 sanctioned combat competitions in 2019 that counted toward the "MACA TOP 20". The guys at the top of the heap went to over 50 of them. It's not for everybody and that's OK.
People can have a lot of fun flying "combat" type airplanes at their local club field on a pretty small budget if they want. The "speed limit" event was started for that very reason. You can run any engine you want and any airplane you want as long as it's safe, goes at or under the speed limit, and is flown on 60' x .018" lines.
The same can be said for Stunt (or PA if you insist). You don't need a RO Jett, a PA, or a Stalker 76 to learn the pattern and compete in beginner thru advanced or even expert at a local contest. You can use any number of inexpensive glow engines or you can get a complete electric set-up for a 35-46 size airplane for under $150 from RSM.
By all means, if you want a top of the line engine and have the $$ buy it and enjoy. I just don't want newbies or retreads to be discouraged by posts like the OP wrote.
Enjoy those Nelsons Fred, they are like model engine jewelry or art.