Ratty
I think the current RAF rules state that a display pilot has to have a certain total number of hours on type and must have flown several more in the previous 14 days (someone did mention exact requirements in a previous post). Cost is obviously a huge factor but just because you can't afford to comply doesn't mean it's not necessary. Quoting several RAF accidents to current pilots only serves to emphasise the point. As the great Bill Bedford said - display flying is inherently dangerous. To attempt it with little or no experience and/or recency is asking for trouble.