John,

I admire your commitment to safety, and before GPS I would have
objected strenously to the doughnut. But with modern navigational
aids, I no longer need the outward spiral of white crosses marking the
demise of so many miscalculated final glides to point the way home.
Indeed, perhaps we can finally dispose of their remains and their
memories. People around the gliderport were beginning to take notice
that we run an unsafe operation.

BTW, I question the rhetorical impact of "life and death decisions"
for 400 points. I would suggest that those 400 points are an incentive
to take a few extra turns before you light the reheat. As for landing
close to the airport, some of us scout the fields before we start
competing, just like some road racers like to walk the track before
they strap on 600 horsepower.

Alas, a doughnut at the end of a flight may be just what I need. Yet
another rule up the wazoo. I'm starting to wince as I sit down for my
postfligh brew.


As a side not, remember all, that a poll, while it measures the
opinions of its respondents, asks only the questions its authors want
answered. Measure its objectivity by how well it addresses what you
think is important. I don't expect to see a question asking if we
should abolish the rules committee and only establish an ad hoc
commmittee in the event that we have a clear, compelling reason to
change the rules.