snip
*We are getting better with the graduated penalty if
below the finish height - ideally it should be a finish window that is
points-neutral within a reasonable altitude spread (if lower, then
subtract points - or add time - equal to the time that would have been
spent in the last thermal to get the height needed, for example).

Cheers,

Kirk
66

The points neutral window is an interesting idea. Probably requires a
bit more number crunching than I am up to but the idea of adding a
few points for coming in higher i.e. reverse low finish penalty might
have have some merit. The idea being that finishing anywhere within
say a 1000 ft altitude window should give you about the same points
would like you say be ideal.

My concern is that what we would like to be a simple solution starts
becoming complex.
The strength of the last thermal would probably have an effect on if
you should finish High or Low in the window for best points.
The scoring software could come up with the points adjustment based on
the actual last thermal, but then it becomes very difficult to
determine how to write the rule for it and how to determining how you
actually scored becomes even more complex. We already complain that it
is hard to determine our speeds as it is.
It would probably work, but like the adding 15minutes to the time on
course rule we tried, we probably wouldn't like it much.

Brian
HP16T