I look forward to the rematch with next year's BRZ tS.
We'll see how the MPSS does then. I think it won't be a huge margin, but the tS will end up the clear winner.
I can say the ND on S001s feels plenty grippy enough, and the BRZ on Primacies didn't. Some of that is also down to the ND's softer suspension and lighter weight, with nearly the same size tire. Regardless, we got Star Specs for the wife's BRZ and left the stock tires on the ND.
I find the RF to be reasonably priced, but the Brembo+BBS package isn't worth it IMO and always seems to be included in these tests. Regardless, it starts at $31,500 because there is no base model, it's only Club or GT. And I mean, come on, it has a power retracting hard top. If you don't want that, I don't recommend you pay more for an RF.
And no Miata is reasonably priced in Canada, or ESPECIALLY Australia. I don't know what's up with those markets that makes Mazdas so much more expensive relative to other makes.