I personally think that blue gi's have a place in high level comps especially televised ones.
As for adding more colour definitely a no no. And embroidered names on the back of gis' ,another no. I refused to let my son get this done when he competed in the nationals a few years ago.Now that he is older he now agrees with me (but not very often,bloody tennagers )

I agree with your statement about the white gi being akin to equality. I believe that it makes people ,especially beginners ,feel more comfortable on the tatami.

Besides financially, I think the only other cost to me over the years is fustration at not being able to perform some techniques to the best of my ability and also the physical costs in injuries over the years. But I would do it all again as the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
Personally I have gained more peace of mind over my years in judo not to mention keeping my fitness levels high as I get older.
My investment in this wonderful art/sport has paid dividends to me and my family and long may it continue.