I started IMAC this year for the first time and as far as Basic being competitive I can say that I agree with Anna Wood. Without a doubt in the SW region it was VERY competitive. I flew in one competition where at the final round first place was up for grabs between four of us. The rest were very much in there including one young guy flying a 60 size plane. If I had been able to fly enough contests last year I would have taken a shot at the regional title. (Good Job Kelly Nichols) I thought that basic could have used simple unknowns, as has been said, to give the pilots a different look. It seems to separate those who know the routine and those who know how to fly their plane. I would like to move up next year so I can experience the unknown round, and maybe to experience being a Basic judge. however I am hesitant because Basic was so very competitive.???