[CQ-Contest] The two/four-point rule in WPX

[Ward Silver]

 > Of course the real problem lies behind the scoring system.

The problem is not in the scoring system.  The problem is that the 
competitors do not compete on the same field - a characteristic unique 
to radiosport AFAIK.  WRTC is the closest thing we have to an equal 
competition and even there we encounter disparities from noise, local 
topography, and ground conditions among other things.

With propagation varying so wildly from place to place, along with 
unequally distributed populations and multiplier representation, it is 
not possible to devise an equalized scoring system.  About the best any 
scoring system can do is to compare stations with similar propagation, 
either within a region or perhaps at similar geomagnetic latitudes, and 
having similar distributions of population and multipliers.  Even 
distance-based scoring gives false results when there is a skip zone.  
As they say in New Jersey, "Fuggidaboudit!"

My suggestion has been and will continue to be the reporting of results 
organized according to geographic proximity (or similarity).  Anyone can 
do this - the sponsors, contest clubs, individuals.  If the contest 
scoring or reporting does not make comparisons you consider valid, then 
create and publish your own comparisons.  Even better, form a group of 
like-minded individuals to promote and report on those comparisons 
independently.  Sponsor challenges and contests-within-a-contest based 
on those comparisons, then publish those results.  If your comparisons 
have a wide validity, stations will compete according to those comparisons.

Ultimately, however, we all choose to compare ourselves against a group 
of peers whom we select for their operating, technical, and geographic 
attributes.

73, Ward N0AX