I wonder if Mr & Mrs Barbus think feeders look crude?
A 2oz lead costs about a pound, a 2.5oz feeder costs about £1.50, so unless you lose numerous feeders per session I'd say feeders are the cheaper option, simples innit.
I can see your point regards bigger baits but IMO the Middle Severn is a match fishery (fish being small and numerous), best fished with a match styled approach, again, simples innit.....
That said, moulding paste around your lead is really another take on a method feeder, kinda reiterates my point on match tactics.
Don't get me wrong there are many situations where I would see pva as an advantageous way of baiting, just not on the Middle Severn, sim....