Christ you guys have it tough over there. Full cover for our S1S is NZ$1900/yr, hangarage $1500/yr. Thats about $500 pounds!
Definately an advantage to have the machine in the experimental category if possible. I spent 18 months flying a couple of 2 place machine on commercial ops and found out just how pricey they are to maintain to the certified standards. We looked at buying an S2A but in the end went for the single hole option - far more potential to improve it as a competitive aeroplane.
cheers,