If guys want to participate they will find a way to do so. All this complaining about what is wrong with pattern are just excuses IMO. It is only as expensive as you want it to be. The 2M airplane that I flew last season was only a 500.00 investment for me. There are a ton of airplanes out there that with some love can be brought back to life and flown in Sportsman or intermediate. I have listened to complaints ranging from cost, judging, personality conflicts and sequence difficulty. Cost can be controlled if you are willing to look for a good deal on a used airplane and spend some time on it. Judging is a hard pill to swallow at first but once you get familiar with it judging criteria is easier to understand. Personality conflicts happen in every aspect of our lives, as an adult you should know how to handle it. Be kind to people at all times and you would be amazed to see how many people will react in kind. Sequence difficulty, practice practice practice! Most guys are willing to mentor someone they see making a genuine effort. Key word GENUINE. Last time I offered to mentor someone he fought me the whole time. He wouldn't take the time to set up his airplane, he wouldn't commit to a practice schedule, he wouldn't listen to coaching during a flight. Bottom line is he wanted to fly Pattern but not put in the work. After 3 contests he convinced himself that his poor scores were because he was not well liked and he quit. Not too uncommon.