Thanks for the replies and the consolations. Just needed to let off some steam and I appreciate the kind listeners.
Regarding the rule change, I assumed (and this is what I get for assuming) that the new 25.5 motor was replacing the 21.5, not all of the motors. Do any of you think, with the onset of the 25.5 motor, that the 17.5/4 cell could now be competitive?
I guess I'll just have to man up and fall in line with everyone else eventually. Oh well, it was nice to be able to have options and still be within regulations, even though I was a few laps down at the end of the day...I just thought I sucked at driving.