I would like to add my support to those who are suggesting distance-based
scoring.
The way things are now, stations that are located in a different multiplier
(DXCC/zone), close to a major population center, have an almost unbeatable
advantage. Most top-tier scores are located right in the major population
centers.
Distance based scoring would help level the playing field by allowing DX
stations to become more desirable contacts. That, in turn, would encourage
more DX participation. The way things are now, only the first contact in
some remote zone or country is useful; beyond that, the game is currently
oriented toward high rates to nearby areas. Pretty strange way to structure
things, actually.
If EU, US and JA are happy competing amongst themselves, then by all means
continue the current system. But speaking as a DX op, the current scoring
system discourages me from participating to the extent that I might
otherwise.
As far as the scoring system itself, both Stew Perry and Makrothen RTTY have
very good models, based around using grid squares as the exchange, and
calculating distance that way. No more multipliers based on DXCC or other
arbitrary geographical boundaries (if you think about it mathematically, the
whole idea of "multipliers," used the way they are, is very odd).
Oh, FWIW, I always assumed the 2 pt scores for NA in CQWW were just because
the contest sponsor was located in NA, and therefore wanted to give NA
participants an advantage. I was surprised to read arguments here to the
contrary.
73, Rick ZL2HAM / ZM1G
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