If free loading and performance are the issue then why stop only on Zimbabwe? After all, we do have plenty of freeloaders and non performing actors in test status list.
Bangladesh makes a strong case, Windies as well despite rich legacy. Pakistan is not far behind. Likes of ireland and afghans hardly Play tests.
In case of Bangladesh and West Indies, I can't say that they are weaker than Nepal or Namibia, which is the case with Zimbabwe. If the BCB organizes a 5-match T20I series against Nepal, then we can expect Bangladesh to win the series easily by a margin of 4-1, or even 5-0. If ZC do the same, the results will be 2-3 or even 1-4 in favor of Nepal. Zimbabweans are playing it safe, by refusing to take on any of the associate teams (which actually preserves their T20I ranking).
Fund Nepal generously for 10 years in white ball and see them beating Bangbros and giving competition to others. They will see tons of improvement, maybe similar to Afghanistan.
But i wasn't making a case for white ball but red ball (big funding comes because of it).