That is slightly more clear than your first answer, if a little edgy

Solution? Owner must have had a hand in the job somehow. Done. But it's not up to me, it's just a suggestion.

If Sean was apologizing for getting second, why did he even enter it? And that's not how the article reads AT ALL, so somehwere, something got lost in translation. At the pilot's meeting, we were told to go get our models and bring them if we wanted them to be considered. I'm sure you don't think I'm holding anything against Sean or anyone else over this, or even suggesting that Sean did anything wrong whatsoever? I'm just trying to make a point, but I think it may be lost. Read Arch's post again, because that sums it up.

I suppose I could be defined as a professional now, (although I never thought of myself that way.....you DID meet me right? LOL) but back then, hmmmm....well, ok if you get technical about it, then yeah. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with that, or being sponsored. I suppose maybe it's in the execution....but my plane wasn't a collaboration, unless you include Ed Skorepa who laid up the landing gear, or the Japanese guys who assembled the radio guts or something. But again, that's getting pretty vague.

I can't see where you've been criticized in any way, only supported and a couple of opinions offered. This award is your baby, and you've been thoroughly heralded for it. I think it's the best idea/incentive to come down the pike in a very long time. Been pretty clear about that too. I simply believe the criteria is fairly vague at this point, but hey, I already made a suggestion and that's all of the input I have. You asked, and I thought I was both supportive and made a suggestion, using clear examples to illustrate my point. I guess maybe I don't get it after all.

I'm going flying.....

-Mike