Under the circumstances, I don't believe there really was a choice....which is my point. Growth(numbers) or competitors(lack of) at the Championships required that all be qualified.

Under ideal conditions, where numbers are not the driving concern, a couple of possibilities come to mind. All could have had their money refunded, apologies for the weather offered and the next qualifier and date offered. Unfortunate, but we all take that chance when we decide to go a qualifier that is not near enough to determine the weather when we wake up in our beds that morning. In my case, my model wasn't ready but had it been, and I saw the winds blowing and read the forecast for the qualifier site, I might have elected to stay at home figuring all flying would be cancelled anyway. An alternative might be that a weather-related cancellation automatically qualifies all that enter. This way, folks that see potential weather problems at the site can still plan on going and fly if the forecast is not accurate or get qualified if it is and a long drive not wasted. I have no problem with this provided it is a standard Scale Master rule applied at all qualifiers.

I would really like to see someone from the Scalemasters (in an official capacity), declare that concerns have been heard and as a result, a new approach will be implemented at next year's Championships. It only has to be a single aspect: flight judging, static judging but something new that will be tried. If this happens, then the voices have been heard. I hope so. between all three sites, this thread has been viewed by almost 3000 people. I would hope that convinces the masters officials that this topic might have some merit.

My model won't be going to Indiana (is that the next Championships site?), due to the distance, but I will plan to enter the local qualifier(s). Perhaps, I might see some fundamental changes there....that would be a good start

Apologies again for my earlier post...I have the highest regard for those who compete at this level