[MplsTom]

It's a great topic. I guess in my old age, I've become more cynical. I look at our political system today and it has gotten away from a "give and take" and become a "we win you lose" on both sides.

I look at the hobby and here's how I see it:
Miggle resurrected the hobby and for that we owe them plenty. They serve a niche and it's a two person show. There's a lot of risk/reward in really taking it to the next level, and at this stage in their career that's not their cup of tea. It's their product and the decisions they make work well for them and many a hobbyist.

It takes the 3M's to accomplish the task: Monomaniac on a Mission with Money. They can begin to set some of the rules because people will want to play in their events.

Until then we'll have pockets. A coach's association would likely go the way of Rules 2K, Rankings, NHFL, etc. All good efforts that have advanced the hobby some but none have brought about the full blown unity that I think this thread is talking about.

Unity through diversity??? As association without a mandate or a carrot is just a gathering. Rules and guidelines can be drawn up, but for what purpose? People will still play how they want to play, using the figures they like using and there probably isn't anything wrong with that.

As for the other manufacturers, I'm a bit torn. On the one hand I have to respect Miggle's licensing. If I paid for the license and there was unlicensed business happening I'd have to weigh the "promote them for the growth of the hobby" versus the "I'm doing this legally and paying big $" angel/devil on the shoulder.

This hobby has some WONDERFULLY CREATIVE people and realistically isn't big enough to sustain multiple manufacturers of core products (niche accessories, yes).

Reg, I don't know all the history. I know I respect the heck out of your ability and enjoyed our visit in Dallas immensely. Straight up, when you talk about wounds being deep, I'm sure they are. You poured your heart and soul into this as did George, Beal, ITZ, Beenutt, Tornado Alley, etc. I think you will admit that you threw a big "mozza ball" (Seinfeld reference) into the pot when your figures came out larger and heavier than what Miggle and Buzzball had done. It put guys in a tough spot. The hobby wasn't ready or big enough to "up the weight" and the products didn't co-exist easily (not impossible, just saying "easily"). Standards debates, unfortunately became personal in some cases (and they should never), and there's nothing like a few of those to douse the flame of the creative geniuses in this hobby.

I can honestly say, like many in this hobby, I've had my "go around" in putting my heart and soul on the line. For me it was creating some national tournaments, doing things a bit differently, throwing a rankings system out there. This hobby travels "ok"...the events were moderately attended. My energy level is low now and will likely get refueled sometime down the road.

I don't see a scenario where this comes from the "bottom up". The real growth, in my eyes, has to start with money, Miggle, marketing, risk, and hopefully reward.

If it stays like it is now, then none of us will also be worse for the wear. It is still a wonderful brotherhood. A diverse family with many great memories to share and create yet.