Don't the rich ones have a less leve playing field than the poor ones?
I'm guessing a "pro" on mag covers winning 3 shows a year isn't on the same level as a "pro" who can't place top 10 at NY Pro.
Is there a huge level of quality difference in what a little money, and a lotta money, can get ahold of?
No...you're missing the point.
Taking more gear doesn't equate to a better BB...in most cases...it equates to a worse one.
Genetics have always been, and will always be, the determining factor. Genetics of shape, etc...genetics of response to the gear, and genetics of response to training.
All the gear in the world doesn't make narrow structure, wider...or a naturally wide wide waist, smaller.