An interesting aspect of RAS: People not involved in sailplane racing and know
little about it seem to have a lot of ideas on how to fix it (presuming that it
is somehow broken in the first place).
First, (no reflection on the sparrowhawk), but it isn't any great
innovation. Secondly, there is, in fact, a class for the sparrowhawk. It's
called the sports class. Thirdly, there are continual improvements in sailplane
design, which is why competition pilots buy news designs when they are
available. Fourthly, restrictions on design haven't hampered progress in
NASCAR, Indy racing or sailplane racing. Finally, the open class is not
restricted.