If attracting new shooters is one of the primary concerns maybe a division could be created just for them. Let them run with whatever equip they have. You only have IDPA gear, no problem. You have a Kahr , great come and play. CAS stuff is welcome too. Whatever. Let them run heads up, no awards with in that division without having to spend money to comply with a particular divisions requirements. Get them out to the matches with quality advertising and let our IPSC/USPSA shooting community do the rest. I can recruit much easier knowing I could bring them out to a match with their present equip then trying to explain what they need to comply. I already have a full right handed CR system set up for the recruits that holds one of my double stacks (I'm lefthanded). I know from my own experience and watching other newbies that once they shoot a match they are hooked and will do whatever it takes to procure their own or proper equip for their division of choice. Call it Rookie Division or whatever just get new people out and shooting without the fear of compliance or competion levels.
I know, another dumb idea that has nothing to do with this thread.