What are we truly trying to accomplish here? You cannot legislate your way to the State Marching Contest.

It should be up to each individual program what they want to spend to on their marching production.

If we cap the amount that can be spent, what is next? Where does it stop?

You should just be worried about offering the best experience you can for your students. That experience does not depend on other schools, other band programs and what they are doing. Quit trying to keep up with everyone else and make your own program shine.

Bloom where you are planted.