I'll just start by saying, a fair system is all that anyone wants. If a measurement system turns out to be what the sailors want, go for it.

Having said that, no system is perfect. No matter what you use, someone will insist it is unfair, and will provide a list of reasons why...

Mark, you made a couple of very interesting points.

"...there are fundamental problems in this day and age in collecting valid data..." In what day (or age) was it ever easier to communicate finish times? With today's technology, it could be done from the water at the end of each race.

"...enormously popular Ronde Texel race going. If the ratings were not fair...the event would fail." I would be careful not to confuse cause from effect. There are lots of reasons that race is popular, if for no other reason than there are just so many boats entered, and there is really no other event like it. People will find a reason to attend, even if that means changing boats, or just entering to say they did it. The best sailors always rise to the top, regardless of the boat they are on, rating system, etc.

There are fundamental issues with using a measurement system, just as there are with a handicap system. Someone needs to administer it (just like a handicap system), someone needs to do the measuring (exactly who is being paid?), etc.

I can't stress this enough: I highly doubt that changing the system will increase attendance, as that is rarely given as the reason people don't attend.

Mike