Tex,
You need to go to:
http://www.ffcobra.com
to learn about the FFR cars.
As you said
BIG difference between FFR and ERA. Not only is the FFR much less expensive initially, it is much easier to get a kit. ERA has quite a long waiting list and the finished car will cost you considerably more than the FFR.
I looked at ERA, Unique, Superformance and others before deciding upon my FFR Spec Racer. I liked the strength of the chassis in the FFR better than any other kit that I looked at. I almost bought a Unique 289 FIA pallet car, but
decided that I wanted to run the car in competition and the FFR Spec Racer was the right car for me.
If I had the money I would certainly consider buying a Kirkham Hybird as it can be raced if vintage events if properly set up by the vintage rules.
Hope this just doesn't add to your confusion about which car to buy, but you have to decide what you are going to use the car for and how much money do you want to spend. That will definitely help you decide.
Terry