My point is, anyone can practice classifiers and get a GM card. It does not very well define skill in the sport ..... as is referenced above. There is a guy I know who used to call up the RM at local matches and find out what classifier was going to be at the match. He'd practice it all week and then kill it. He made GM and used it to advance his career. He's never shot worth a crap at a major. Does this really denote skill? Does this really denote success in the sport?
Caleb I'm not trying to dog on you, but would anyone give a crap if some other sponsored shooter got their GM card? Would anyone even know who Jessie is if there wasn't a woman's HOA trophy?
If they are going to make ladies HOA trophies equal to the HOA for the match, then they need to do the same with the senior, super senior, LE, military, and junior trophies. Winning any of these categories is nice, but there is no reason for one to be respected as much as the one who wins the whole schebang. While we're at it, why not high A? high B? Where does it stop? It all smells like the "everyone gets a trophy" award.
As far as "only 5 or 6 GM's" ... So what? Is that so wrong? I just looked at the results from this years Nationals and aside from Eric crushing everyone, all the rest are in line with the top 5-6 shooting in 95%. I would go as far to say if you shoot 90% at a major you can be considered a GM. One would not deny that those who do that have earned their spot through consistency and skill. If you can't make that top 10% ... get back out on the range and practice. That's what the rest of us are doing to make it to the same place.
Why should I respect someone who has a grand bagger card but shows up and shoots 75%? I don't care if they are a Combat Vet, SWAT Sergeant, Sponsored Female, or 14 year old. If you carry that title it should denote your skill level. Not just be a trophy you got by playing the system.