very true frank,if just starting out on distance racing 1st get the tools for the job,2nd aim for getting a team of distance birds around you that are flying for you consistantly into your area they dont have to set the world alight,3rd be patiant observe and learn and when they get a day that suits them ie:a good leveler then they will show their worth.
location has a lot to do with the optimum performance obviousley but as you rightly say some times the best birds dont get the top accolades because of location but i could live with that as long as i know i got the best bird on the day.