If Classic Pattern really "is about the planes," I need to say that the BPA style of airplane appeals most to me as a newcomer. I like noise and speed (and retracts and anything else that helps the plane appear sleek and attractive).

I've never competed in pattern, but I'm not against the idea. However, I know I don't like the modern pattern rules (with noise limitations) and would like to visit fields where BPA style of flying is performed.

I guess I don't know enough about SPA and BPA basic philosophies to pick and choose which aspects I want.

I have competed in R/C Combat, Quickee 500 and Sailplane racing enough to know that complexity (on the part of the airplane) usually only hurts the competitor himself. If one has retracts and pipes, and can't "dial them in" so they are reliable on the day of the event, that's his fault and he should have considered a simpler setup. So if you consider "keeping it simple" as a matter of rules designed to protect the competitor from himself, I dont' really see the point in that, other than it keeps the overall stress level (of ALL competitors) lower as it lowers the least common denominator (ie, everybody is "dumbed down"). A dedicated competitor who relishes complexity will have an advantage but only if he has the skills to go along with mastering the complexity. In that light, the advantage is deserved IMO.

I was toying of getting an SPA legal plane together, but was dismayed that my first choice of engine (the YS 110) would not be allowed in a 60 size plane (Kaos, or other plane of that size) which would have yielded a really fun airplane to practice with. My second choice (Saito 100) was also too large, so I never pursued the idea beyond dreaming.