Regarding to Stakes Qualifications:
I do not think that the stakes qualifications should be changed. The program is growing... please do not make any adjustments to the qualifications. Just because a team is qualified for a higher level does not mean that we can/should/want to run at a higher level at champs. I believe that JP is qualified for superstakes. This does not mean that we have the skills to compete in a small box at champs for 8 rounds in a row. Until I can get 8 regular bonus' in a row at trials (actually more than

, then I personally do not believe I am qualified or have the skills to enter superstakes. Same goes for Silver Stakes...... until I can be consistent getting regular bonus' in a row, then I do not want to compete at a higher level that requires even more distance skills that I feel I have over 8 runs at a national event.
Please post the requirements soon so I can determine my plans. If I am forced to compete at a higher level than I believe I am have skills for, then I will not enter stakes at champs and may re-evaluate my goals with my dogs. I have worked really hard to obtain big distance skills to work bonus' but just because I can get a few regular bonus' over the year, does not mean I have the skills needed to compete at champs at high distance level.
While I enjoyed having placements at champs, I would much rather go back to not having any placements and just striving to achieve the bonus cup so we are not competing against each other if that is the impetus for this change.
I really have enjoyed running in stakes so I hope the qualifications do not change. Starter Stakes is perfect for me and it fits within my comfort zone of distance handling over 8 rounds at a National Event.