Chip:
I agree with your comments and observations. But on the issue of crews we should also remember the importance of crewing as a learning experience for the younger pilots. There is no better introduction to competition soaring (and for that matter learning efficient XC soaring) than crewing for someone at a serious contest. I started gliding in '73 but didn't really get bitten by the bug until I crewed for Vic Peres' 604 at the '75 Open Class Nationals. That led to a lifelong infatuation with flying and racing big gliders. I still use a crew when I can - but I have sometimes shared a crew with other pilots which actually works pretty well too. But all of the crews have told me how much they learned going to the pilot's meetings, planning the task & start times, and debriefing the flight after. That's worth all the books you can buy.
ROY