Yes, the 1-8 is about 2 1-4 accupowers cost wise.
The VCOG costs like 3.5 1-4s.
I'm not aware of MPOETC having authority over what an individual agency decides to use in our state @SamueL. It's up to the agency.
Just as an update, it looks like there's a solid chance variables will be authorized soon. Not due to anything I did, but some folks with credibility and drive took up the torch and are probably going to be successful.