boozybob.. In theory I would agree with you.. however...
I have upgraded my driver and putter, yet still swing the Tour Starter Irons. I have not improved my game enough to break into the Master Tier. Folks I play with, who HAVE made this final upgrade are making the higher tiers and make no bones about telling me that this is the one part of my game that is holding me back.
So, you may be right, and I am playing the game as if you were, but there is compelling evidence to suggest otherwise.
Peace