I say, in general, "nut behind the stick, not equipment".
Not saying Kawa is a nut, just saying all things relatively equal, a good PILOT will likely be at/near the top.
If they fly a new ship and do well, then the mfr can't build them fast enough.

Look at Evan/Tango8 running an "old" ASW-20b, he seems to do well.
What about Daniel (sp) in a "ratty LS-4"? He did well recently. [talk is, the "turbulator surface added MANY glide points, although many thought it was just a ratty ship......results sorta speak on several levels......LOL.....].

Yes, top pilots can benefit from better hardware, but most of us "mere mortals" really can't buy our way into the top 5 or so in most contests.

Feel free to discuss.....