Hey Steve,
No worries, the economy dies suck...
Now on your question, my opinion is that friuls are worth it. Like you mentioned there is no need to simulate weight as the tracks do it by themselves and in some tanks the sagging looks fantastic.
That said remember that friuls are not magical. If your suspension is crooked your tracks will be crooked.
If you do go with plastic, resin or vinyls (I take that back, burn the vinyls

) make sure to study photos and replicate their weight accordingly.
I hope I answered your question.
dave