Chris,
I've been practiceing for 48 years and I still can't get it right. I don't think it is genes as I am the only one in my family that shoots a bow. If I am reading you right I guess that you think that we should put everyone in one class and then just shoot to have fun. It seems to me that the classes are a free choice thing based on equipment not on ability entirely. There will always be a top, a middle and a bottom of every class. Hunter class is the class that is in question based on its top scores. The thing that I am saying is that the class is already established and running and the people in it are entitled to shoot in the class regardless of the their score if they meet the requirements as set forth by the rules that have been published. The real draw card to this class is the shorter maximum yardage. If establishing a class for persons who just want to try 3D archery at a club level isn't the answer why should it be done at the National level. National level shoots are for people that feel that they want to compete and enjoy all the other expierences that come at a higher level of competition. This game like many other things in life is not one that can only be enjoyed when good enough means that I'm not willing to work any harder. If the scores that a person shoots put him in the middle of the pack and that satisfies him then eliminating the persons with a higher score is not the answer. The top archers that you mention are where they are because they want to be the best that they can be and practice is a key ingredient to their success. If one of the top archers starts falling from the top and can not maintain his position does he ask for rules to be changed so that he will have a chance at winning again. Practise is a must for most people to maintain their skill level and until they do this why should there be special allowances for anyone entering the game. A practice class would be an entry level class for persons to find out what the game is all about and where they want to shoot. A practice class would have no winners or loosers and should have no awards. Once a person makes up his mind where he wants to compete then the other classes are all available. Hunter class is the only class that has a 35yard maximum and that IMHO is what the big draw is. What other class has grown this fast and what is the reason for its growth. Scores in this class have been an issue from the beginning and a small number are the persons asking for change. If the majority of the class are happy (and no one can say that they represent the majority) than why make changes that may cost the organization members.
I am glad to hear that you will be he competing regardless of the changes and I hope that you continue to enjoy all the benefits of shooting a bow.