I'd add that even the speed of the works development is unsustainable for the customers. The privateers need stability and for them fewer uppgrades coming through the season is better.
Also the upgrades are not just to buy something and install it. Most of the upgrades also require testing, building of new setups etc. It's not just a cost of the new part but a lot more.
And you can add human resources too. How many people could be necessary to run full trothle a car that is developed to a works team? 3 mechanics anda a engineer are enough? I doubt.
Stat-fact, 53 500 unique spectators for Rally Estonia
https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120392099/publikurekord-sundiski-delfi-rally-estoniast-sai-kohapeal-osa-53-500-inimest
For the context:...
There is a known cliché - you can not make a reliable driver fast, but you may make a fast driver reliable.
Oliver's past is quite clearly "fast but not reliable". We can see at the moment that...
The feedback from the commentators is similar as here. Ironically they have closed the comment section on the driver ratings article. ...
Dirtfish