I have only been flying for 4+ years, 3+ in IMAC. I have not seen anyone in our SW area that just hung out in one class. There are people that only fly one contest a year and it is usally in sportsman, but they are just there for the fun and dont take it very serious.

I dont think there is anything wrong with staying in one class for the entire year. Everytime you fly an unknown in your class you can be learning new figures.

As far as limiting the size of airplanes in Basic, I understand your thinking but I dont think it is necessary. There are more and more people flying planes 30% and larger. Attendance at contests in the SW are at a level that is difficult to manage. I have been to 4 contest this year attendence was 42,41,50, 56. Our contest in Phoenix was 42, we had rain predected all weekend and we still have 42 people show up. It was pouring at the field on Sat morning and they waited it out.