A couple of thoughts as I read through this thread:

(1) If adding a handicap to standard class nationals will help sustain
this class by making relatively modern ships competitive, then I'm all
for this. It's all well and good to say, let this class die if it
isn't viable, but then the value of all current standard class gliders
will take a hit. I'd be very happy to see standard class keep Discus,
ASW24, DG300, and similar ships competitive, and thus more valuable,
since it keeps the value of my ship (an LS8) from dropping.

Knowing that my LS8 isn't going to be worth $10k less as standard
class dies will make me feel a lot better about Tim McAllister kicking
my ass in his handicapped SZD-55. And frankly, I'm fairly certain he'd
still beat me even without the handicap, so the better pilot wins
anyway.

(2) While I recognize Montague is a long haul for a lot of pilots
coming from the East, Midwest, and Southwest, the converse is true for
those of that live in the Northwest and Central/Northern California
and need to go in the other direction. I think it's worth pointing out
that over 15% of the US population live on the West Coast and can
easily access Montague in less than a day's drive. It's all well and
good to say that we should just choose a site in the geographic center
of the United States that's no more than 2 days for anyone, but (a) I
suspect that this is just far enough that some folks from the East
Coast will say its too far, and some folks form the West Coast will
say it's too far, and you'll end up with mediocre turnout anyway. And
(b) I personally look forward to the challenge of a technical site--
whether it's Montague, Logan, or a place like Perry on the East Coast.
If I'm going to take nearly 2 weeks off from work, family, etc to
indulge in this chronic disease known as gliding, then at least I'd
like to fly in some interesting places.

Just my two cents.

Chris
42DJ