Long range is also not cheap. Take F class, without going custom, what is the best option out there? Savage FTR? And that is $1200 + scope + a nice competition bipod. You are well over $2200. And that doesnt include a spotting scope.
Then you need to reload and have the patience to develop a load, which also has it costs if you need to buy several powders/bullets/primers. A lot of younger people dont reload at all, so that's an additional entry cost.
And then you have to take into account that most F class around the country is shot between 600-1000 yards. Now that Granby is dealing with the town, we dont have a 1K yard range to practice. So, assuming you are a member of the 2 or 3 clubs that have 600 yards, how will you travel to other matches and try to be competitive?
And ... the majority of people just dont like load development, being patient, and competing.
One of my favorite parts is load development. The second is trying to master the ancient Jedi art of reading the f*cking wind. Lol. Takes a lot of patience.
All my friends just want to show up to the range, throw a bunch of lead at a target 100 yards and call it a day. It is what they enjoy, they have no patience to do the work.