The one suggestion that would make sense would be to have a masters cat for previous winners, this way they can still enter the contest and have fun too. But to not let them enter at all because they built a great model the previous year is wrong. These winners will get tired and move on to another forum where they can pass on good modeling advice.

Like I said, I can agree on some of your opinions here, but basically it sounds like, sorry but, poor losers.

I had one experience about 15 years ago when I competed in a show in Europe and the one guy one 1,2 and 3rd place at this IPMS event.....from what I heard from other contestants this was the norm for a few years already. I didn't think, well he shouldn't be allowed to compete any more so we can win too. Instead I learned new skills, improved my skills in other areas and entered again the following year. I place 3rd the following year. It felt good because I took a 3rd against someone who had been racking in the trophies for years. This told me that I was getting better.

So isn't this little story familiar...... it's what the hobby is all about and not going for the big prize.

Ok I just spend a lot of time reading and commenting when I could have been at the bench trying new techniques or updating my site and forum.

I hope this all gets settled and you are all happy in the end. Enjoy the contest for those who do decide to enter and have fun. I am going to work on some models now because it's what I like to do to relax and not get stressed over threads like this one. No disrespect to any of you and your opinions.