A new solution to an old problem.
Although I have brought the effects of abusing the power limiter to PDI's attention, I have no idea when they may allow better host control over using it, therefore, I have started requesting using 100% during races that have one car in them, since that is its intended purpose. With over 1200 cars, there has to be a way of leveling performance between different cars, but with only one car, that isn't necessary, so use 100%, to create more fun.
the only way that I'm aware of to discourage too much use of the Power Limiter is to combine a spec with all three major caps: PP, HP, and KG.
As we've done for some of the GT Sats races, you simply make the more fast car out of the bunch limited by either HP or PP. Some cars won't meet the max of both PP and HP settings, so this is more of a way to improve upon the PP system, than anything else.
If someone bolts too many parts and then uses the limiter more than prescribed, tehy will be even lower on HP or something like that, which will not be beneficial in most cases.
This method requires hours of testing per car, so that is the trade-off. However, once verified that a particular car combo works well together, it can be saved for later use
Example:
Car A: 400HP / 570PP
Car B: 400HP / 578PP - this car ends up 1 second faster...
Lower PP limit and see if they are closer. Car B may not be able to have 400hp with that lower PP, but that's the point.
You may end up with 400HP / 572PP as the official race specs. One car will not meet PP, and one will not meet HP. But if you do it right, they can be within a tenth of each other, and drivers will more quickly choose different cars from one another, evne if one is still slightly faster overall.
By also using KG as a limiter, you avoid manipulation of PP with respect to HP. It forces one to affect the other directly.
This method may require fine tooning for each track, however. Monza, with lots of straights will favor HP, for instance. A slower track may require a slight adjustment.