the difference in doubling your power via amplifiers may be a bit pricey vs. the antenna system however you said it yourself...you cannot ride around with 1/2 waves. However you can ride around with a bigger box and use it all the time. Dropping $900 for a set of Terry's stix is only applicable if you key. Now figure how much money you may win (or in your case lose) versus how much money it will take in winning competitions. You'll find that it will take you several years of consistent victories to cover your initial investment.

Then when you decided enough is enough and you wish to sell your antenna system, you'll find that you'll have much more trouble unloading them (not even considering shipping) as opposed to selling a box.

So in a nutshell investing in an amp will give you everyday use instead of a few times a year using the 1/2 waves.