Hi Jim, Ted,
I do not disagree that there is a jump between Expert and *EXPERT*. There aer those who are in a class above the other *experts*, that is a given. But that is the case in any endeavor where there is competition. Not all PGA Tour Pros are Tiger Woods, there are those down in the category from 100-150 in the rankings. Never the less, the PGA does not put Tiger, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, etc., in a different class at their tournaments. There ARE Invitational tournaments such as The Masters, and The US Open which have *qualificatons* that must be met to gain entry. This is just like our National Championships which are going on now. When the Tour goes to a common stop, everyone eligible and those Monday qualifiers get to bang heads with Tiger. It is no different when anyone goes to our Huntersville meet and signs up for Expert. Derek Barry, Randy Smith (both recent Top 5 NATS pilots), Dale Barry, etc., etc., are likely to be flying there and it is the game you play. I am in agreement with Denny to a good part. I see Beg., a class for full pattern (Sportsman??) and an*Expert* class (pick the name). Int./Adv. seem to almost be redundant. If you can fly the entire pattern, then you can fly the entire pattern. Some of the *hot shot* Advanced locals might would HAVE to go up to the top level then. As it is now, they don't/won't.
Burn out/loss of interest? That happens in everything we do to people at all times. We see people come and go, some look for an excuse to get out. They just lose interest! If *winning* is all that is important, then they need to stay in the lower classes until they win their share, or their egos are boosted enough to move up.... our out. There IS NO CURE for a burn out/loss of interest problem. We are not all psycho analysts practicing our trades while at model airplane meets. A lot of it goes back to the unreal/impractical expectations that are set these days by society as a whole. Did Michael Jordan quit when he was cut from his High School JV team? If a person has an interest (true love) of any activity, they will continue. Otherwise the activity is akin to the new Christmas present....... lots of play time on Christmas Day, but after a few days it is left in the box.
Big Bear