Have to agree with Rolf, the "high-tech snobbery" associated with deep wallets is a myth - in many cases you can build your own boat in far superior technology for a much lower cost, provided that your class rules allow you to, which is why I chose the class I sail. My other choice would be to pay much more for a factory-built class which doesn`t allow you to buy fittings elsewhere other than the factory. I would have no issue with that provided the factory price for fittings was reasonable. As things stand you pay over-inflated factory prices for equipment that is inferior to that which you could buy at any boat shop. That`s when I draw the line and choose a class that allows flexibility as to who I buy my sails, blocks and fittings from. (and even hulls, boards, rudders, beams and mast in my case.)
Oh yes, and my high-tech boat is made of wood, as are my daggerboards. My rudders are factory-made, but from the factory of my choice .
My sails (main, jib, spinnaker AND trampoline) cost less than a set of dacron main and jib for the most popular factory boat.
One day you too may see the light.