[VashonRobotics]

We started small (had to) with only the base kit and grew slowly spending on average about $650 each year for parts that the team ordered based on that year's challenge and their design. Now about to start our 4th year - we are in good shape.

If your budget can take it this would be a good beginning:
Base Kit
Resource Kit
Extra battery
Samantha module
2nd DC motor controller
Two more DC motors
Four DC motor leads with in-line breaker (saves motors)
2 or 3 more servos
more Screws and nuts
Then buy parts as you need them and as you can afford.

Will these parts build a competitive robot? Don't know. But I think working to do more with less is what this is kind of activity is all about, isn't it? Necessity is the mother of invention and all that. Don't have 5 servos? Fine, do it with the three you have, somehow. It is awesome to watch the creativity fly!

I like your saying at the end of your post - "Don't tell me it won't work....... MAKE IT WORK!"