[Nuance]

I know, the reason is to make sure there are only High Quality groups, so I believe if I can prove my group is/will be HQ then it could possibly be negotiable.

Proof that your group would be HQ hinges on a variable and therefore could not be proved.
If the rules were bent for one they would have to be bent for all.

Just save up and pay the set amount, then cherish your group that you worked hard for.