Interesting. My PI in undergrad had several R01s and we were swimming in funds but their spending categories were restricted. $50000 to us on labor may have bee

Interesting. My PI in undergrad had several R01s and we were swimming in funds but their spending categories were restricted. $50000 to us on labor may have been worth it for $25000 in equipment, for instance. He did, however, refuse to tap the large startup fund, which could have been spent however he wanted and instead saved it for a rainy day. On the other hand, we had a very strong "core/shared" support and could basically rent equipment. With the amount of money he was spending on the core, we had a huge influence on the equipment purchased. Also, we collaborated with other groups helping their projects, gaining access to their equipment for our projects. Basically, trading our labor for their equipment.