[MplsTom]

It's all good, Norbert. You have your opinion and facts to back it up. I've said that you've definitely got hardware and coaching skills and it wasn't meant at all as a slam to you...it's just one way of objectively measuring where a coach is. That is why I liked the tournament rankings point system where you and I both finished tied for #2 in 2005 (or 2006...can't remember). It was objective with pre-defined points based on # of entries and nobody could argue.

To clarify, I don't ever recall asking anyone not to mark their bases nor have I ever asked anyone not to post about my using their bases. I have always been open that my team is a mixture of my own tweaked bases, your bases, Raiderman bases, a Pratt base, and a Jimmy D base. The reason I take off the N is not to hide anything...anyone who knows me knows I'm anal about the look of a team and I put a shoulder number on the back of a base for the purposes of a consistent look and ease of switching bases between players.

As for where someone ranks? Tournament titles do play a role and in that respect, Adrian Baxter has been my downfall (but I'm not alone there). I agree that strong league play is a factor and I wish we had the type of league you have in Detroit. You guys are to be commended. At the same time, when I look at my 5-0 record versus Great Lakes coaches, that can't be discounted either as considering me a formidable foe. I'm 4-2 versus Big Keith, 1-0 versus Pratt, 1-1 versus Raiderman.

When I go into a tournament match against any of these coaches, I do feel as if I have the skill to go toe-to-toe. You may not agree. I'm sure 14 times in the games above players probably felt differently...and 11 times they were wrong.

I know you titled it "smilin" and I enjoy the banter and stirring the pot. I do have a chip on my shoulder as I've felt as if I've paid my dues and don't get the mention...but nevertheless everyone is entitled to their opinion and in no way am I diminishing your accomplishments.