Missions & Complexes

It's been my experience that this isn't the case. In my brief and unique time in Incursion space, I saw a LOT of T1 ships, many flown by the more competent pilots.

Sure it's easier, and you can't get in the "good" fleets that will run the sites fastest without it, but there are plenty of people out there who aren't elitist pricks and will gladly take a poorer player along to help them earn the isk so they can fly pimp, too.

edit: and you're always better off working your way up and learning the hard way of doing something before you can afford the easy way.