The problem with spending less money is that no team wants to be the first to do so as it could possibly mean the end of them being competitive. Let's say Penske decides to cut spending by 20% and no one else does. What do they end up sacrificing that no other team is?
Once Hamlin spun, he wasn't able to pass either. 95% of the field wasn't able to pass anyone. Like I said, the pylon barely changed over the course of the run. Even cars near the front struggled with this.
Considering that he was the only one able to pass all day....yes. Looked at 1-20 on the pylon and came back 20 minutes later and maybe two cars had switched spots.