Indy car vs. go-kart was kind of where I was going when I was talking about the difficulty and talent level present in USPSA, so I definitely agree there. USPSA IS the premier practical pistol sport. That's what's rubbing me when almost every time I see competition being discussed, it's some other sport, unless the discussion is taking place on a forum (or blog) where there's a decent number of USPSA shooters and members present.
Honestly, I do wish they did more and better marketing, particularly where it comes to the fact that they do have a division for mostly stock, readily available guns.
I understand that participation is up at the club level, and I've definitely noticed it at the local matches I have been to. Attendance at my main local is up close to 50%. I like it. Every new shooter that I've talked in to coming with me has spent the largest part of their day at the range with an ear to ear grin. I'm just trying to see if there's a way that the organization itself can do a better job getting the word out to the masses.