I don't think you demeaned anyone what so ever. We can have these discussions w/o major drama as long as we agree that we are not always going to agree. Not agreeing doesn't necessarily constitute belittling. It's all about how you present it. That being points to consider, facts and opinions. Including those elements without some sub-agenda also helps. I don't see anything that you posted on this subject that could possibly be construed as negative. At least not to anyone w/more than 3 brain cells (which consequently just might be me).

Which way to go should be decided by what works best for those in charge of enforcing it from a Commissioner's or Promoter's perspective. If it sounds good but can't be properly enforced by those in charge of enforcing that venue's format then it probably isn't the best way to go. I am one of those who asks all of these questions because I have more than average experience w/events and w/the various formats. Translated meaning, it has been my duty as a hobbyist, and by my agreeing to assist that venue, to enforce THEIR format. Sometimes, and even often, what works well for one is a really bad idea for another.

One problem w/glue as being THE reason one "can't change bases" doesn't always hold up. No pun intended. You can not assure all others that one can't simple pop a figure off its base, glue or not, and switch it w/another. I've seen it (more than once). It can be OK to run a format this way so I'm not saying it is a bad idea. I'm saying glue does not prevent one from switching figures/bases. If only a slight amount is used, it isn't difficult to do w/a quickness. Who will be responsible for watching every coach so that doesn't happen? Certainly we can't expect their opponent's to be ultimately responsible. There is too much to do on their own side of the ball when competing to put that burden on them. Not to take a shot at anyone's venue but, I feel that is a major weakness in Miggle's rules-putting the onus on you to be responsible for the legality of your opponent's equipment. That is and should be the duty of the hosting venue. If they can't do that then they probably should stick to what they can regulate and accept responsibility for enforcing.

In a perfect world that I envision (which is at least in the same orbital solar system as the one Jimbo described), you would only be facing the most honorable opponent's and it wouldn't ever be an issue. If you have all coaches involved who have impeccable credibility then the rule book and all of its regulatory explanations just got a whole lot thinner. There is little to no need for worrying about this. In such cases, protect, keep and cherish what you have, rules and equipment aside. Because that is something worth preserving-something money can't buy.

Overall, it appears to be fair to the majority to break down each piece of equipment and make it stand up to said specs (whatever the format requires) on its own. That way it doesn't matter if they're mixed and matched. It also has other benefits. It allows coaches more options with less players when base switching is allowed. There's no need to watch or worry about parts switching since they all past inspection before they hit the field. It allows a time burdened venue (tourneys and travel leagues) to streamline their protocol, which helps assure things go more smoothly and finish on time. It also allows a venue to request smaller rosters to streamline the equipment check-in/validation process since base switching is allowed. Meaning less figures and bases to check in (saves precious time) without coaches having to suffer from lack of player options (figure+base=player). Certain figures could be used on any approved base in a given coach's box to play a multitude of roles on that team.

Local leagues without some sort of thorough inspection process (those that don't use or don't need one) are exempt from these considerations. It is a non-issue for them. It comes into consideration much more for tourneys and travel leagues w/definitive time constraints.

I'm not posting this to conflict or validate anyone's preferences. I am simply sharing my knowledge, my ideas and my thoughts, based on my actual experiences. In the end, do whatever is best for those directly involved. You can't go wrong that way, guaranteed.

-Mike Pratt