Hi Mark,
Couldn't agree more.
MA - a company - no surprise there in this day and age. Employees being paid - Oh the scandal of it all!!!! [Just be thankful that Macquarie Bank doesn't oversee our sport]. Enough said.
I think the problem is that a lot of punters on this forum have had previous issues with MA and that is colouring the posts [quite understandable considering some of the stories of past events].
In regard to the MA Bonanza, personally I am disappointed by the timing, but otherwise more than happy for the event to occur. You are right they have been talking about this for years and hopefully it will be worth the wait.
I don't buy into the consipiracy theories - BUT one of MA's primary functions is to maintain a workable calendar where events designed to attract punters from same market are not scheduled in conflict with each other. There have been some event timings over the years that have been absolute shockers, I wouldn't put the Bonanza in that category but they don't do themselves any favours with their seemingly below average communication skills. And when pronoucements are made FROM ON HIGH there is sometimes, unfortunately, just a sniff of 'Big Brother' in the air.
Could MA perform better - I think most people would say yes!. Could they be worse - absolutely!!! Can our sport exist without them, NO!
So having said all that, I will be going to have a look. I hope it will be a great addition to the calendar in spite of its wobbly start on this forum. I also know that the guys on this forum are very passionate and protective of their sport, but in time they too will come around and see this could be a great thing for all of us.
Time will tell, now back to the Girlie Page!!!
VMX42