Face the facts, modified racing IS harder. Stock is easier. I remember one fully sponsored factory driver saying after he moved up he worked harder than he ever had before to be competitive in mod.
19t is a great intermediate class. These days you don't have to move straight to mod. People left to there own devices will take the easy road, epecially if they are encouraged to do so...
A few years ago, you had to race modified to get factory chassis rides, big time motor/battery deals. Now they want to keep you in stock?!? I guess I'm old school, but if you win multiple championships in stock, I think you have the talent to move up.