Those noise levels are interesting. Given a 450 MX thumper revs to about 10000 and a 250 probably 12 or more, a 4500 rpm measuring point for the big bore probably has a different effect on noise to a 125 2-stroke at 7000 wouldn't you think?
I agree we need to do something about noise, especially a field of 450 thumpers at full noise (10000 rpm, not 4500) with after market exhausts. But it just doesn't make sense to penalise the old bikes which in many cases will require work to conform, and which are not the norm at any racetrack. That said, I accept that LOCAL noise laws do take precedence. Regardless of anything we say here, if an event at my local track gets measured and goes over, the autorities will take action.
As for crusty old blokes, I didn't say that MA is necessarily composed of such. My observation extends to everything - local bike clubs, VMX forums, flower arranging clubs, persian cat fanciers, you name it. It's a peculiar thing. A generalising stereotype, sure, but true.
I'm still contemplating my RM125M. I cannot bring myself to butcher the stock pipe, and I really want to ride it with that pipe. No easy answer to that one. Do I have to run my aftermarket pipe? Hmmm...