IMHO: No matter that distance we shoot from, it's the distance 'between-our-ears' that has the most influence on this game.
Our game is getting older, and we need new blood. I happen to shoot often at a small Trap-only Club that was taken over by a local SCTP group. I now get to see the dedication and participation of this organization on a weekly basis. I applaud them all, and the kids. But, it's the kids that I watch.
One of the big reasons I/we see our younger generations come and go from the Trap Club so quickly is the 'recoil-factor'. The other is the 'Competitive-factor'. If we're looking to the future, then these factors should rightfully be a part of any 'change' being contemplated.
I really don't have a dog in this hunt, because, I have chosen to compete with reduced loads (7/8 oz. @ normal speeds). I did it for personal reasons, and that's just fine with me. I started using reduced loads when I saw my two grandson's loosing interest in Trap shooting - from the pain of heavy loads. We all use the reduced loads now, and two of us have won yardage with them (25 & 22 yd's). More importantly, it's changed their attitude from one of volume dependence, to one of developing skills, keeping them in the game.
The overwhelming consensus of the older shooters was/is that you MUST use HH shells to win. Don't think the kids aren't listening when you argue this point endlessly. And, don't think it doesn't play on their willingness to compete, because it does.
The other side of my humble opinion, is the competition factor. Kids like to be together, shooting together is a major part of that feeling. I've never understood the ATA's position on shooting behind your earned yardage. It's an advantage in so many areas; ease of squadding at smaller shoots, keeping a group of shooters together, and giving young, old and progressing shooters a chance to experience the freedom and joy of competing above their collective levels.
I don't think many people understand the emotion for a child that is DQ'ed for accidentally shooting a single post behind their assigned yardage. I've witnessed it happen. Where is the harm?
I don't often do this, but I'm inclined to agree with Sportshot on this issue. "One-and-done" makes perfect economical, environmental and SCTP sense, not to mention release-trigger and aging-joint issues. And, relaxing the specific yardage demands without encouraging the sandbaggers will enhance the participation and enjoyment levels of all our generations. These are both no-cost, no-pain issues.
Pour all the concrete you want, invest in expensive chronographs and radar guns galore. The big dogs will step up and win again. But, while you're spending all this money chasing phantom-baggers your kids will be skateboarding, with their friends.
Respectfully,
Kip