Tony
I still don`t get your point!
Not trying to aurgue with you but your statement " rule change to help a lower class flier participate within the rules at a reasonable expense"
is what I directed the reply at.
I am quite aware at the popularity of ARF`s as I have 3 on the market currently all at differing price points.The Shinden was an airplane I deliberatly designed for AMA classes with a low price point $1000.00 all composite painted in the molds.

What I`m getting at is what I believe Dave is trying to say as well.
It is not an unreasonable expense to get an airplane under weight. Considering what others pay for non competiton airplanes,
And if you are going to compete, it`s only a fraction of the totality of the other expenses required.
My point is,This is a non issue and a rule change would be for nothing.
competition is not for every one just those who want to follow the rules
Even when we waived any weight rule at local contest in 20 years we only had one guy take advantage of it.

No competion is driven from the bottom up ,it`s inspired from the top down,
I take exception to the 5K weight limit as being arbitrary It`s a "rule" well known ,,if you want to compete then you follow the rules.
in fact I think it was quite Prophetic!
I think this one rule is the most important rule keeping the prices to a reasonable level.
It has been proven time and time again that it can easily be done by any one who trys.
The rules are what makes any event, and levels the playing field ,,if every one follows them.
If it was up to me I would raise the weight limit and the size limits Because I think a bigger pattern airplane would fly so much better.


There is no proof or even perception, Pattern is too costly. compaired to what I pointed out in my prior post. There are so many options out there you could argue it is the most diverse of all of them with multiple avenues to be competitive.


BTW I was quite puzzeled to see you with a Dremel tool grinding on your airplane for some time to take a few ounces out at the practice feild before the Nat`s this year.Being a multi time USA team Member ,,it just struck me as Odd! you waited till then to get your airplane legal.
I think this is a personal Beef with no merrit and you have shown no proof your rule change will make one bit of difference in the big picture of competition.
your asking us to show proof ,, But your making the proposal the proof is for you to provide! Sorry,

I Am not against a rule change that makes sense , and if you could show proof of what you say is in fact a problem I would be for it .I`m against a rule change that has no effect on the outcome of participation or the outcome of equity
I think the only thing arbitrary is a 5.5k take off rule in your proposal.

Sorry I just dissagree with you on this one.

Bryan