Chad,
They just weren't snaps!
You don't need power if you aren't pitching the plane far enough to break.
Of course, CPLR had lots of companny in the finals ... like all nine other pilots.
When the stuation after lunch looked like third might be up for grabs, some of the pilots proved that they knew they weren't flying snaps, by bringing their real snaps out of retirement. It's obvious that some of these guys do not even practice a real snap, 'cause they were ugly! But, they knew that there might be points to be had, if they did a real one. So, it's not my opinion as to whether the finalists were doing real snaps, or not. We have their own connfessions, with the sticks.

Let me sum up, justy so that no one can accuse me of being vague. (vbg)
What I saw in the finals this Summer was a travesty. The sad part is that both judges and pilots accepted it.
Now Io know how lemmings can march into the sea, en masse.

best regards to All,
Dean Pappas