There is a significant difference between having "some manufacturer support" and having a guaranteed drive ... and a pay cheque.

Loeb's S1600 campaign was in factory car after which he was catapulted into WRC car. Prior to that he had won some "ladyboy' domestic series but not much else. So nothing particularly 'special' there. In fact his earlier exploits in WRC cars were nothing special. He grabbed an opportunity and excelled. For that I am a fan.
But that doesn't change the fact that his was a privileged beginning and a career with a level of certainty not enjoyed by others.

Please return to combing your hair and leave the rally discussions to those who know what they're talking about.