OK, this thread has been well beat to death by several thoughtful writers. It is time to hear from the other pilots that fly contests.
I have been flying contests since 1987. Only fly one regional contest per year and have done fairly well in the rankings. I would estimate that I get low (under 1,200 ft.) maybe once every other contest. Don’t think I have ever had a save under 500 ft., but am comfortable climbing out from 600 ft. (given very good landing options). I would agree with those that state there is no advantage to getting low and having a save – it usually costs significant extra time to climb out because the low saves are not normally the best thermals. I would say that I have won several contests because I was able to climb out from low saves (in fairly strong thermals).

I do believe that I would fly slightly more conservative if there were a Hard Deck, however, I think there would be situations where I may still get low. Once low, then the Hard Deck would not change my thermaling at or below the Hard Deck. If I broke the hard deck I would still thermal at a level that I would be comfortable. How low I would thermal would depend on the landing options but the Hard Deck would in no way affect my decision.
So in a nut shell, I do not support a Hard Deck. Let’s hear form other pilots that regularly fly contests.

Stu Larimore
2Z