There are lots of grey areas in vmx, but in general it works and works well. In most cases its the humans with their own agendas that try and stuff it up.
Well stated Brad. I know little and care even less over the RM-B swing arm situation but know that there must be a good argument from
either side for there to be a situation in the first place.
In my 25 years in VMX many grey area rules have come up but in most cases it's been proven that there's a genuine reason for the rule being in place. While I have issues with a number rulings (
B40 BSA pre 65 eligibility problems for one, Novation swingarms for two ) I think our rulebook has done a pretty good job over the last twenty + years. Most of the scrutineering dramas I've seen in that time have evolved from racers either trying to pull a swifty, interpreting the rulebook to suit their own agenda or, in most cases common ignorance of what's eligible on their bike. Even though you might disagree with what's written on the page with regards your bike, you can't go against the written word just because you think it's wrong. If you want the rulebook changed, get all of your proof of eligibility together and submit your proposal for change through the proper channels. Whingeing and whining on the forums or amongst your mates isn't going to change diddly shit. If you've got a particular grey area that may cause some doubt from the scrutineer, take your written, dated proof of that part/modification/model/whatever is in your opinion eligible and present it to the scrutineer during inspection.
Build your bike to the book like 99% of us do and there'll be no dramas however.