As someone who doesn't run bonus lines, (I have attempted a few here and there, but my dogs just are not the bonus type dogs), I actually prefer the bonus dogs to go last. I like to watch bonus line dogs, but running a 4/8" dog, I often run first and don't get to watch them run because I am getting my dog ready to run.
Also, there is always a bit of confusion when the bonus dogs run first. We never know if there are actually any bonus dogs running or how many may be running. Therefore we never really know when we need to get to the line. I have often rushed my dog to get to the line, only to have 4-5 bonus dogs in front of me that I didn't know about. Other times, I have THOUGHT that there were bonus runs and there weren't. I end up rushing my dog again because they are calling me to the line.
As far as the line down, I have been at trials where they simply tell us where the line is and don't really put down a line anyway. Maybe they can't do that anymore, but that is how I did my few bonus lines....
I don't think it gives ANY advantage to those who do bonus lines to go last. Most of the people who do them are awesome handlers and have no need to watch someone else handle because they KNOW what to do with their dogs. I can't see where it is a benefit either way for handlers who might try courses once in a while either as their attention is on their dogs not on the course. It does give those of us who don't attempt the lines at this point the opportunity to watch them without worrying about our dogs run. Heck, by being able to watch and see what it is all about, it may actually encourage some people to attempt those lines.
