I'll discuss all the issues and background with you. . Quigley knows all that I do too, a phone call with him will also help. Brace yourself, there's enough info now that it could take more than an hour.
Sean: I have PM'd with Quigley, and I believe there are two separate issues. The first is obviously the denial of the exception, but the second issue, which I believe is more important, is the level of information which is being given out about this (including the history). This denial is unique, in that this is not just something that would effect (monetary wise) a shooter when he is looking to travel outside Canada. When someone looks to travel, they expect certain expenses if they WANT to change equipment to be competitive. This denial is unique in that it effects existing shooters with existing equipment, which now need to spend a significant amount of money to keep with the status quo. I'm going to guess here, but off the top of my head, Canadian shooters (everyone effected) will now have to fork out collectively over 50K if they don't want to be bumped to open division. (please correct me if you think this is too high) This is not a small issue.. it's one that effects a lot of shooters, and as such, I believe that they are entitled to more then just an quote from the IPSC committee.. I honestly believe that we publicly need to fully understand the history behind this, and the political positioning that seems to be in play by IPSC on this matter. If We (the collective we) are going to be screwed over, then we should have a right to publicly know the history and the basis for the new position. We as IPSC paid members have a right to know this.
I know that you, in your position would hesitate to make public the full story, but if it's not, then I (and I'm sure others are well) may feel that it's trying to be hushed up so that we (the collective we) don't cause waves that we would if we knew everything. This is not an accusation of trying to hide this on your part. it's more of a, don't just tell me the things I want to hear, to make me happy, or feel I have to accept this decision.. a "tell me how you really feel, but do it publicly, not just on a phone call". I hope you get the meaning of what I'm trying to say..
The references to our neighbors to the south in their reasoning, just does not make sense, and seems like IPSC is playing political games. Games that need to be said publicly, not just in private conversations.