Why do you assume it's an "either/or" case?
Why not have the best gear AND training AND practice? A lot of people can afford it, so I don't see any point in them not getting really nice gear from the get go.
Only because most can't, and I hate to see people wasting $$$. IPSC shooting has a fairly high attrition rate, and I just think it is better for people to give it a go for awhile to see how much they really like the sport, then make the huge investment in all the "good" stuff. I see too many people buy fancy guns, and then they can't afford bullets to shoot in them.
Hey if money wasn't a factor, I would recommend something else, like hiring me to be your full time training partner
For the average Joe, it is nice to know you "can" be competitive with simple gear if you work hard at it.
For those that can afford it, they will buy the best anyways, so what's the point telling them to do so?