Digging this a lot, looks super versatile. When you say pheasant rump, what feather in particular? I've got a skin and am having trouble seeing which feather this is.
It's possible to save money. Maybe not if you're only tying trout stuff, but if you're into big flies for pike and bass, those things are $5 and up. Some pike flies are $35! I always feel great after I tie a big buford.