Rick...
... don't really know where you are going with post but let me clear up some things.
1) READ MY POSTS - I never once said that the sport didn't nedd over the hill/just for fun/love of the game players. In fact I seem to think that I have said just the opposite - that such teams are more than welcomed at the major tournies. I know that there are not enough "so called pro teams" to run a 150 team event such as Campaign. If I have given that impression - I'm sorry but it wasn't the meaning, I hope this clears that up.
2) I have said that MAYBE it would be better at these tournaments, that as you call them "the so called pro teams" - and by this I mean any one who plays the sport to it's highest level possible, play in their own division. I don't see how anyone could find this objectable - it would end the problem of teams being rolled in 40 seconds, it would give "lesser" teams a better games against equal level opponents, and it would give - as Jeff says - more value for the money.
3) If the sport ever progresses to the level where there is a clear pro level and "old timers" league, would you stop playing? Would you stop buying paint? Would stop buying all the coolest gear? Last time I looked there where millions of people buying Manchester United shirts, Nike shoes, and all sorts of other merchandise that their favourite players endorse - why would this be any different for us? Hell you go to tournaments now and there are tons of people lining up for either Avalanches or Dynasty's autograph.
Ricky, I am not against "the little guy" or for that fact "the old guy" or even the "fat old guy"(I'm gonna be one pretty soon) - but what I am against is the idea of holding back the progression of the sport based on the desire of some teams to try an compete against other that don't belong at the same level. It's not done in other sports - you don't see Man U. playing against Joes Pub with only 7 players because they are better - why should it be done in ours?
Don't take this as a put down of your team or other Novice teams - it's not - I have always said that the ones who strive to be the best, should not be held back whatever level they play. I just feel that it is time for Pro vs. Pro/Am vs. Am/Novice vs. Novice ONLY. This can all be at the same tournament - in fact I will admit that I do like watching a lot of Novice and Am games and they would be sorely missed.
goose
