I have fond remembrances of the classic Simpson meters, but they really belong to another era. I honestly didn't follow the quality difference with Fluke until I bought one.
I agree with Falcon67. My understanding from others that have gone through this is that the burden (point 1) is that other properties in the area don't meet the rules and you are only asking for similar ability to use your property (even though they may have been built before the current rules)...