The one word that should describe any RC is invisible. Nothing they do should have any effect on the racers ability to sail a clean race.
Well, I wouldn't say "invisible", but we probably agree in essence.
Race Committe provides a service (running races) to the sailors. Everything they do should be done in that mindset. It is RC's job to run races that are:
(1) Safe,
(2) Fair, and
(3) Fun.*
When Race Committee starts making things harder for the sailors just to make things easier for themselves, then they have lost sight of their purpose.
(*) Well, fun for us amateur sailors anyway. I wouldn't insist that Olympic nor professional racing be fun.
Regards,
Eric
