I really beg to differ.
Yes, it's getting more expensive all the time.
Yes, the "quality" of car is getting higher all the time.
No, having a great car doesn't make you a fast driver/navigator.
That is the beauty of rallying, talent and the effort put in (recce, car prep etc), far outweighs cash spent.
Witness the Newtom/Lemish Evo 4 smash all comers, including 996 TT Porsches etc at THC.
Witness Rick Shaw in a Series 6 RX7 at Targa.
Having recently driven a couple of Evos and seen just how easy and fast they are, keeping in mind they also look after tyres quite well, I'd throw a few dollars to say a few drivers/navs even within this forum could wrestle one into a top 10 Outright.
Heck, if a couple of drongoes like Tim and I can hustle a 32 GTS-t into a 17th Outright after an off, and 2.5 days of siezed shock absorber action, well...... it's a no brainer I reckon