I read this RAS with thread as a non contest pilot and outside observer. The flying community will never be able to tell a pilot what he/she can/should do to mitigate risk (instructors can only suggest) - a competitive pilot will find a way to work the rules. However, I think the simple flight test would help change the risk taking out of the program.

You are found circling looking for lift (subject to trace) below 700 ft any where on course (ridge maybe lower) you are scored as a landout with a small bonus for making a good landout with downwind final pattern. No pattern no bonus. period. (hard deck)

If you have not started the task (i.e. relight scenario seen in Ionia) in start cylinder below 500 your DQ'ed (why not land a relight?)

You are found looking for lift between 1 mile and 2 miles from finish below 500 FT - scored as a landout with bonus for airport landing and/or bonus for making a pattern good landout.

I my mind all everyone is saying is "Hey PIC - Make a good risk free landing judged by a good pattern for any landing pattern - no crap short cuts - considering each ship has different flying performances - it has to be hard to determine a MFH with balanced equity. 500 ft might be easy for some and harder for others. So just complete a good pattern.

ZEN