I have never competed in pattern,but in the early 70's I was going to be a pattern flyer. At that time I had 2 super Kaos's and one Pantera. I then got interested in pylon racing and competed in pylon instead of pattern. I recently got interested in the old pattern planes. I built a Dirty Birdy from plans. I installed retracts and an OS 55AX. I think the retracts are very cool! The plane looks great with the wheels up. I don’t know if aerodynamically retracts are any better. There is a small weight penalty and it does dirty up the bottom of the wing. I would vote to allow retracts. I used Spring Air retracts, and they were pretty easy to install. The cost is not bad either. The cost is about the difference in cost between a 2 stroke and 4 stroke engine. I think the early 70's airplanes are way cooler with the wheels up.

Jim