Really? That's "fact" is it?? With counties like Switzerland, Indonesia; Saudi; Italy France able to maintain a display team, you think the UK should be relegated to a 3rd rate Air Force??
So, that's the defining characteristic of a 2nd rate air force, is it? The possession of a "crack" display team that whose members are so much better than anyone else that they think they can break all the (flying and engineering) rules.
More seriously, this thread is reflecting some real truths. We can't, actually, afford the luxury of the "World's best aerobatic team" (or whatever hype you want to put on it). The recent SI illustrates how, as well as the aforementioned arrogance, undermanning and lack of funds has created an organisation that is a danger to its own members and the general public.