I just installed a 13t ezrun kit in my f103 for $80 delivered, i dont consider that expensive.
I run 540 at SMA in sydney and all i want is for 540 to get the boot. brushless is sooo much easier, less maintenance, less difference between motors, compared to 540.
You get lots of options as to esc setup all fun for beginners, cleaner and longer lasting.
Also i know of guys spending hundreds on esc for 540, tell me does that make it a cheap class and if new comers arnt close to competitive they wont hang around for to long.
Also i dont think i have ever seen a out of the box kit at the track, most people are happy and find it fun to hop up their cars.
just my 2 cents