Your outside perspective logic is extremely common. It's just flawed.
That's actually why I made this thread.
The game is about using the most accurate rifle to shoot in the wind and put the shot in the middle....and see who can do it the most.
None of the contentious items make the rifle more accurate...although everyone who's never tried the items believe they do.
The items make the sport more enjoyable...especially to those that spend unreal amounts of time practicing.
Making a class that disallows these items might allow those that are new and ignorant to the sport to have a place to have fun and enjoy the game in their own bubble...for a short time. Eventually, a talented shooter with a good rifle will decide to shoot the new class. That's when the fun is over for everyone else.
Maybe someone can figure out how to disallow accurate rifies and guys that can read the wind from a game that requires accurate rifles and wind reading skills?
To boil it all down...the biggest problem people have is that they don't understand that you can't learn to read the minute subtleties of the wind with a rifle that isn't accurate. The novice always thinks he's gonna learn with something less. He might learn the generalities of the wind...but he will also develop a ton of wrong information about the finer points. The finer points win the game.
Mike
It doesn't matter if it is flawed. Perception is based on feelings. Logic, Reason and Feelings are not compatible.
I don't have a dog in this fight I am just offering a viewpoint. I have VERY limited shooting experience. (A total newbie)
When YOU show up with your gear... people are going to think a certain way. One 'perspective' is that You are showing up with a bunch of crutches. You can get upset about that until the rapture comes but THAT is going to be the perspective to some. Get used to it because it isn't going to change.
A big issue is that it seems 2 different matches are being played. Some people think the match is about a 'human touch' shooting skill... and different skills are more important to others. ( I am not picking sides, just an observation).
On the flip side... YOU aren't responsible for how another person feels. As long as you are playing within the rules.... bleep them.
I still believe divisions would be the best scenario, but I also understand the sport isn't big enough to support different divisions. (except for the very large events).
Your outside perspective logic is extremely common. It's just flawed.
That's actually why I made this thread.
The game is about using the most accurate rifle to shoot in the wind and put the shot in the middle....and see who can do it the most.
None of the contentious items make the rifle more accurate...although everyone who's never tried the items believe they do.
The items make the sport more enjoyable...especially to those that spend unreal amounts of time practicing.
Making a class that disallows these items might allow those that are new and ignorant to the sport to have a place to have fun and enjoy the game in their own bubble...for a short time. Eventually, a talented shooter with a good rifle will decide to shoot the new class. That's when the fun is over for everyone else.
Maybe someone can figure out how to disallow accurate rifies and guys that can read the wind from a game that requires accurate rifles and wind reading skills?
To boil it all down...the biggest problem people have is that they don't understand that you can't learn to read the minute subtleties of the wind with a rifle that isn't accurate. The novice always thinks he's gonna learn with something less. He might learn the generalities of the wind...but he will also develop a ton of wrong information about the finer points. The finer points win the game.
Mike
That is the thing about perspective. The truth is irrelevant. Perspectives are based on feelings. Logic, Reason and Feelings are seldom compatible.
When you show up with your rig the average Joe is going to feel a way about it. Some will see it as a goal... others may think you are a sandbagger.
If I were competing and you showed up with your rig/achievements I would not even consider you my competition, it wouldn't affect me a bit. I am not a competitive person and you are completely out of my league. Other people that take competition seriously may get butthurt. That is just something you are going to have to accept. You can try to explain and explain to them but in the words of Simon and Garfunkel... "A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest".
Divisions works great in the big matches. The average Joe's feel they can compete. The average Joe that wants to be considered a Pro, has a goal to work towards.
I understand your local matches aren't going to have enough 'pro's but they could have a beginner and advanced division. Many sports have multiple divisions. It is a great way to hold interest, create goals and build the sport.
As I think I previously said, I don't have a dog in this fight, I just like a good debate.