I have read quite a few comments on this subject, and here is what I think. First of all I have been operating contests since 1963. Mostly doing single band entries. WHY? Because I have a better chance of being competitive. There are always less entries in these categories. I also know that  I can never compete with the stations that are closer to Europe . You do not have to be very smart to figure this out! I am also a DXER, so I know that at certain times of the year that certain sections of the country can almost have as good as propagation on these bands as does the NE stations, but this is not all the time. It would be nice to be able to compete with the stations that are closer to Europe. Ask any DXER who usually gets the first openings to Europe, the ones that get Daylight first. The carribean, SA and the NE states, they are farther east. Does not take a very smart person to figure this out. So it would be nice to be able to give the rest of the country a mathematical solution to this, that would make up this handicap. Whether this will happen is yet to be seen.  Now my answer to some of the comments made.  1) Only about 5% of the SE Contest club compete in these contests! Then why are you in a contest club to begin with? This is one reason I usually do not join Ham Clubs, because most do not add anything of value to the club, and most are not very interested in making any changes. Very SAD! Of course changes disrupt our way of life. Also very Sad! Also that same person recomments on what W2UP said that NQ4I does not get very good operators. That K3LR gets the best. Well this doesn't take a very smart person to figure this out either. If you lived in the North and had a chance to operate at one of the most expensive staions that has been put together . Anyone of us would like to operate from that station! I also feel that I am a very good contestor myself, so I  kinda of resent this. If you were to put some of the operators from Rick's station at K3LR, KC1XX or W3LPL and  I would say that most would be as good as operators they have. I also feel that  this person  that is making these remarks is somewhat bias, especially since he is not being ask to operate at NQ4I. 2) Another SECC member said that we need to watch what we are doing in asking our representitive to vote on this. I do not think Rick was asking anyone to vote on this, he was just saying that if you want to see some changes, then make your voice be heard. Of course this is the US way, just sit back an keep buying from China and give all of our dreams away. If people would stand up for what they have a passion in, then maybe things would be different. Also by the way I remember when this person that made this comment, was The 160 meter contest director for CQ Magazine. It took years before you could even get your certificate for winning. I wrote him many times , where my certificate was, and never got a reply. Finally when Andy N2NT took over this never happened again!! 3) Another SECC member wrote That when people move next to an airport that they start complaining. Well there are a lot of stupid people in the world. And you do not have to be too smart to figure this out either! He also says that NQ4I knew that when he built his station that it would not be competitive! It has done pretty well, considering how far away from Europe he is. He also built this station to give guys that do not have very good stations, that are good contestors a place to operate. Rick very seldom ever operates himself!  W8JI has done pretty well from Georgia also. He has a lot of land though. It doesn't take a smart person to figure out that in order to be competitive with the guys up north that you have to build much better stations and have larger stacks to make up this difference in distance.  I am a contestor and I like to have fun, compete and once in awhile be in the top 5 in my category. Just think for a moment, what if they would give you  a handicap for distance and you would have a chance to be in the top 5, maybe even win the contest, and you would not have to compete in a single band category to do this. Wouldn't  that give you a little more inspiration! If people take away our passion, enthusiasm, and inspiration what is left then? Something to think about? Mark W4SVO