The Tough it Out was a great idea in principle but was doomed as WGT gained no revenue from it whatsoever. Players started reporting that they had clubs other than starters in their bag, (either bad programming or a deliberate mistake by WGT) so then you had to take multiple screenshots to validate your score, which was taking about a full forum page for each player to show all these pictures, just to win a sleeve of balls or something.
The idea was sound though, giving all players an equal chance, though the cream rose to the top anyway, as you would expect, as the top players can adapt to any conditions.
I agree it could work if there was an entry fee, although there would always be a nagging suspicion as to whether all players had been equipped with just starters or not.
WGT seem to have no imagination when it comes to creating innovation and encouraging sales and revenue though. Take for example the clubs set up, why can't you change your 3 iron for a hybrid? why not take out the PW and change it for the 52 deg MD? how many would would do that and look at the sales increase it would generate. Also, why have to carry 14 clubs? Carry as few clubs as you want, then set up extra tournaments, such as a 3,4,5. club challenge etc. the possibilities are endless and all great for generating revenue.