Simon

Apologies. I think you are correct. Inaccurate was the wrong word - I probably should have said the judging was probably not biased intentionally. And in any event TBL is meant to remove any bias.

There is a halo factor even if unintentional. I also think the judge analysis tempts judges to try and conform to what they think will be the norm rather than judging what they see. Some judges want to be right in the middle of the average and this can lead to "safe" judging. So they give high marks to known top flyers or maybe the "benefit of doubt" to them. But those top flyers need to get there first - Mayr, Seba etc have made it to the top. You could argue that there was no halo factor as the World Champion came 7th - is that not an argument that there was no halo factor.

Anyway it is a subjective view - the same with diving, figure skating etc. the alternative is pylon racing or control line combat.

And the main point is to njoy it - and if you don't stop!!

Jason - thank you for your honesty and congrats on your placing.

Brandon