You have to ask will these brigades be located strategically to benefit other brigades and the community or is it the case of just buying some bling!!!
If it is just the bling, is that a problem if they have the money and dedication? I'd argue it's not.
So the foundation for your hypothesis if brigades have the money (a few) and the dedication (most) they can go out and buy what they want and do what they want, that's a sound arguement?
"Buy what they want and do what they want" is a little different to "get trained and equipped for rope rescue". If a brigade has the money and dedication, then furthering their Fire Service related skills and equipment is a good thing.
Rope rescue skills aren't limited to mine shafts and cliffs - they can be applied in situations involving high roofs, steep slopes, even fast flowing water or slippery surfaces. - All of which are probably quite common in Bridgewater (for example).
Having rope rescue as a discipline in a brigade will also add variety to training and help keep the 'younger' generation interested.
I certainly don't think brigades should go out and buy anything or do what they want, but I think there are plenty of things they can buy, or train in that aren't a problem.