AR34, be careful.
Its none of my business where you want to shoot or at what level. Reading your post,however, I'm afraid you might be changing for the wrong reasons. It is true that the Semi-pro class is smaller than MBO, but their scores are sometimes kept in-line by shooting on tougher "PRO" ranges. Make no mistake about it, those boys can shoot.

As for choosing a class to shoot in because of what shirt you put on in the morning, again I don't believe that should be the decideing factor. I know several people who fit the intended profile for the hunter classes who would also make very good staff shooters. They conduct themselves well, and always have a positive approach to the sport, the organization, and the manufacturing sponsors.

When should you move up? In my opinion, it has nothing to do with wether or not you have won any money in any other class. It also has nothing to do with sponsors or experience. If you are new to the sport, and are not sure if you can fit in with the experienced competitors, you should start in the Hunter classes to get your feet wet, so to speak. If your going along in that class and you see, or shoot with people from other classes and think to yourself, "that extra 10 - 15 yards isn't that big of a deal i can do that", you should. If you are shooting "up" on every course you come to, maybe its time. When you can look at the next advanced level of competition and say, I may not be there yet, but thats where I want to be..... go ahead and challenge yourself. Shoot with the best shooters you can, accept that frequently they will win the match, and sooner or later it will be your turn.

If you do choose to shoot semi-pro / pro in one organization then you need to do so in all organizations. As I said, it is none of my business which class you choose, just do it for the right reasons. I have seen shooters jump too high too fast in hopes of gaining the glory and spotlight. They ended up being overwhelmed and virtually dropping clear out of archery because of it. If you do in fact move up, good luck, it is a great buch of guys to compete with. If not, and you choose to stay in MBO ( or any other class ) they are good people too. Either way keep promoting the sport and helping to ensure its continued existance.