Bob - just read the threads on
Sailing Anarchy. We are fortunate to be part of a OD class that is affordable and can bridge between a "racing only" boat and "cruising boat". I'm fortunate to be around guys like you who have been at the J/30 thing a lot longer than I have.
Our boats are affordable, and can be brought to "new" condition with some hard work, and some TLC. The key to the resurgence of the J/30 fleet has been the people and their willingness to share.