[Jeff Lee]

In my view, nobody would have to be #1 qualifier, win class or set a record; they wouldn't loose points for not doing so. But one should be rewarded points for taking the initiative & doing so. Maybe even top 10 qualifiers get points based on a tier.
But what could happen is a championship is one or lost on those few extra points. That, I believe, would get some to step up the program and put some hurt in the sand baggers.
Those that are chasing championships have the resources to accomplish such goals and if it costs more for a better engine, so be it. Those that have no desire or delusions about winning a championship may not change one thing and their budget remains the same.
Personally, If I knew I could get enough extra points to offset my inability to race at a professional level to get me in a top ten situation, I would pursue those goals. And the closer one gets to the top of the points list, the more inclined we are to attend more races; more than we originally may have budgeted for.