Great post Tex. Let me add two or three cents.
When I first bought my DII, I was heckled a lot on Dweeb because I didn't know a lot about off-roading. But I slowly set my truck up as I had the cash to; for the way I wanted to use it. I primarily trail ride (greenlaning in UK), and off-road in wildlife/conservation areas. Sadly in Florida, there are not a lot of places that you can use legally. But we use what we can; and focus primarily on the "tread lightly" philosophy.
But because I didn't have the whole nine yards of EE or RTE equipment, I got poseur status. Hey; you set your truck up for where you drive. I'm not running Tellico so why build a rough and ready. I'm not running Moab, so why build a rockcrawler?? You follow...
Over time, I put the truck to its limits. First of all, I put myself to my limits; but I learned, and I listened to those around me with more experience. And finally the truck reached it's own limits with me behind the wheel. So eventually I had to build it up. And as time went by; I needed more. So now the Mog axles sit on the pallet. The SIIa Hybrid is getting ready to be built, and the RRC is getting a pre-build list made up.
In jest, and sometimes in seriousness, I'll post up about how NE is slowly being invaded, and degraded; but in all seriousness I only see one problem with the "everyman" buying and building Rovers.
Many people can buy used and older rovers now; but many of these same people cannot afford to maintain them. For example, me, myself am at the edge of keeping the DII going forward as a project. It's been in the shop this time for a year. I'm sure Kara knows the feeling. This time it's the tranny, plus the add-on of a re-geared LT230. Last time it was the motor. When I blew my motor, I could have gone for a rebuild. But being me; I went for a RR 4.6 Gems, converted to BOSCH, and chipped, and ported. So 8 grand later, I had an extra personal loan to keep my hobby going. Now, luckily for me; I always own a fleet of other vehicles. But because of my nature, 90% of them are not running. I think I find a good deal, so I buy it. LOL!!!
But some people who have these trucks cannot even afford the bare minimum maintenance, and the trucks end up paying for it. And then the opinion and thoughts of Rover end up paying for it. Anyone that understands the history, personality, and vision of Rover should be able to buy one, IMHO; but not everyone that can put down the money. Just my thoughts...
