Gee, ROAR did something right, imagine that.
If there's one conclusion you can take from this thread is that most racers think that there is a problem with RC racing. While most of the posts here concerned either the motors or the batteries, no one mentioned the cars themselves. Just look at X-Ray over the last couple years. Every year they release a car better than the previous. And they're not alone. Not only have motors and batteries improved, but the cars have also improved to handle the new power available.
I think the problem with on road touring car is the cars are too fast. It's not just the motors or the batteries, but the entire combination that makes these things mini rocket ships. With the cars this fast, it requires a much higher ability to drive them. Without that ability, you're hitting the boards and spending more time fixing your car than driving it. At that point you're not having fun anymore. And when you stop having fun, you get out of the hobby.
It's possible that we have reached the point where the RC community needs to develop a true spec class. Not just a motor limit, but rules governing the car and batteries as well. There will always be mod and 19 turn for advanced racers, but an inexpensive and slower class not only for newbies but those who just want to go out and have fun. This isn't outside the realm of possibility. Both X-Ray and Corally make inexpensive versions of their top line cars. The biggest difference is the chassis.
The first rule that should be adopted for the spec class concerns car construction:
BAN GRAPHITE!!!