But you can get the snake maxed w/o using group fund... it would take a while but you could. So it's quite a case of "pay to get early".

Mind, with the 3 field now, snake is much more significant. Back in the 6 field days I would have strongly adviced against it as it doesn't do much half the time due to opponent not stationing in the field it is in. But with only 3.... there might be value in getting it earlier.