Thanks Mr. Keith,
Considering the way you put it, it still leaves me scratching my head. Again, I'm trying to understand the premise, not change (or keep) the rules.
Thanks to you, I now understand this to be beginner scale model flying, by proving the scale model can be flown by a beginner flier. I also now know there are significantly more variations above what I assumed was an entry-level challenge, with much more stratification between it and full-on NATs/PAMPA style flying. I appreciate the eye-opener, despite the delivery of your last paragraph.
I guess what I'm looking for is a definition of the intended/targeted group of participants. That may help me understand why the original differentiation in the points system to other contests, and the resultant change.
Which brings me back to my confusion...
So why allow the beginner flyer to accumulate static points using a model he didn't build?
What prevents "Johnny Deep-pockets" from competing with a contract-built "top shelf" model and win just by getting it in the air and back down? Or is this Beginner contest more a Dad/Son entry level like some of the Sunday School Pine Wood Derby car races I've been to?
Or am I still missing the point? It wouldn't be the first time I've been told I'm overthinking something.
Regarding your suggestions/final paragraph to me:
There is no competitive venue near me, nor do I have any flying buddies. I have built a twin, successfully flown it high (even on one engine, yet low), learned a bit about designing fuel systems around a twin, and even successfully re-kitted the same plane.
Unfortunately I'm resigned to standing in awe of these contests and admiration of the contestants as I did in my youth...by watching/learning from others either through conversation, pictures, words, and/or video. Then there is the other aspect of enjoying the hobby...learning by trying new things.
While I may not compete with others, I do compete with myself. Each of my models is a bit "more" than the last one. I know I'll never fly anywhere approaching the level of most of this community, let alone fly competitively even in a sanctioned beginner event.
I got bored with 1/2A slabbies and Roundie-Roundie. My goal this summer is to attempt the OTS pattern with a UKIE .35, then a BHM Challenger, then a 3-wire throttled Tom Tom may be later.
I really like the build, I enjoy the flight. Watching fine art dance before me is thrilling! I still get butterflies in my belly on each maiden flight. But I'm on fixed space and time. That means I keep no favorite airplane. However each airplane is responsible for teaching me something for the next one, and I feel a responsibility to learn from each airplane such that it was sacrificed as an educational tool, not just cast off as trash for taking up space in my hobby closet.
Why am I paying attention to this thread?
I'm still a sucker for 1/2A models. My current 1/2A build is semi-scale...that is a Guillow's Typhoon 906 kit, but scratch-bashed over a Lil Jumpin Bean wing with a 25% upscaled stab/elevator (factory wood still in the Guillow's box). So far, I think it looks good. I bet it will be better than Roundie-Roundie. I will be ecstatic if it does crisp wing-overs, loops and inverted. My childhood Lil Satan and Stuntman 23 could do those, even with me at the controls back then.
"Me and my Typhoon" is why I started asking questions in this thread...not that I plan on competing, but just to know how to gauge where I am in the hobby. Of course, I can also look at the mountains of evidence discarded over the last few years...the slabbies, the antique NOS built-up wing profiles, the shattered Norvel from my Mosquito...they also serve as benchmarks in my eyes.
I know I'd be pissed to compete with my model only to lose against Johnny Deep-pockets because his model was "more scale."
In the end, I'm enjoying a hobby I discovered as a young boy, but couldn't afford, and still drooling and dreaming over the videos and pictures of true stars in my eyes...you guys!