Here in El Dorado this weekend, we will be flying "Profile" with skill levels. (BIAE) "Run watcha brung," as long as it is a profile model. I've always accepted Profile as an entry level type of competition that should be flown with skill levels. Some contests don't. Kind of tough on the beginner flying against the expert, however Classic and Old Time don't have skill levels, but in most cases, I don't see a lot of beginners flying these events. Winning a Profile event as a beginner (IMHO) is a real "ego booster" and tends to keep one competing and enhancing one's skill.
Norm