Trans Am race type racers usually use bags exclusively, it's fast light racing, not loaded touring. A small saddle bag, frame bag, gastank bag and handlebar roll is all people commonly use, and it was that type of racing my friend was talking about.
I'm not going to be disappointed, because while it's a useful benchmark, I don't need full retail. Someone is going to get an amazing deal on a Roubaix frameset, though. Probably in trade for what I actually want, but we'll see what happens.