Chuck,

Right or wrong, we are still in a subjective hobby. Some things generally present better. Presentation is still part of the entire equation. There are things that a "normal" aerobatic aircraft (Extra, Cap, Edge) does better than a pattern plane, HOWEVER, the overall presentation over the same sequence looks better with the current level of designs. I have yet to see a bipe present as well either. They tend to bounce a little more in windy conditions. They are more than capable of the sequences and flown well they look great, but sometimes by doing things this way, you are adding extra work to yourself. Chip and BW both fly the scandelous great, but I saw another one fly this year by an Advanced guy, and in his situation, the bipe was DEFINITELY a disadvantage. You will never be able to take presentation out of the equation. Our sport will always be one that everything works its way down. You are right an Intermediate guy trying something make be frowned upon for something that a top FAI guy tries, and that is just human nature. I think the biggest factor that a lot of people dont see, or like to admit, but it is the truth is that just because the latest/greatest plane out there by CPLR, or QQ is winning FAI, doesnt mean that it is a good airplane for the AMA patterns. All of these planes are designed for whatever years F pattern they will be flying. All of these new designs can be harder to handle in certain wind conditions and they all have crazy sensitive rudders, and that is because they are still a compromise. The top guys design planes to fly the sequence they will be flying, not 07 Advanced. These guys know what conditions they can fly through, but want to make sure the plane flies the sequence the best so it might be more difficult to fly for normal flight. I think the most important thing people need to keep in mind what sequences they are flying when buying / building an airplane, instead of just buying it because it wont the worlds last year.

Arch Stafford