Like many, I feel that this thread may have run its course. Those who thought I was a jerk last week still do. Those who thought I got shafted still do. My goal here was not to change any of those opinions. There seem to be a reasonable number of people who smell something rotten in the KCBS version of Denmark when it comes to these situations, and it's not the Tony Stone Low and Slow Competition. Honestly, I think that's a good thing. It's not that I'm on any kind of mission to hurt the KCBS and am looking for conflict. Hell, like I said, I only found out about this by coincidence, buy if people involved with cheating are let back into the KCBS so easily, I think you should ask the questions if you give a damn about your BBQ society.
I can't promise that I won't post on this thread again. Some people always have to get in the last word, and there may be a legitimate question or two, but like I said, there's really not much more here. Either you think it makes perfect sense to issue a three year ban for inappropriate clothing and a one year ban for cheating, or you don't. If you think it's suspect, either you'll stand up, ask questions, and wait for answers, or you'll just stay quiet and avoid making waves. Either way, it's your BBQ society. You pay $12 to them every time you compete. You potentially give them $35 a year so that you can claim to be certified or make yourself feel better. Some of you even accept money from them for your children's education or charitable causes. Decide how important this is to you.
I'll say one last thing here: When I started this thread, I had no idea who this rep was or what relationships he had with KCBS beyond rep duties. It's since come up that he or some one with his name is a business partner of the KCBS. I'm honestly surprised that so few people here thought that fact deserved more attention, but on the face of it to me, that looks improper as hell.
Thanks for your time. Good luck to those competing tonight, and I honestly hope that each of you can look yourselves in the mirror before you go to bed and not feel ashamed. I can.
dmp