[aqua_scummm]

While uncool and unfair that not all teams were fairly treated by the refs, I wouldn't expect any different. Sucks, and I hope one day we can have much more impartial reffing, but until opposite factions of paintball start seeing eye to eye, I don't see that happening. Pump is very anti-wiping, and while many speedballers and "trendy" ballers are anti-wiping, I doubt there would be many who disagree that it's much more "accepted" in their sector of the sport.

Same with the sideshow feel of the pump. It's actually why I asked about the crowds. I knew the NPPL would sideshow the old school players, no major pump manufacturers are really sponsoring the event, pump uses less paint which is bad for some sponsors, not having the latest and greatest technology goes against what most major sponsoring companies push each and every year, etc.

But pump is much more spectator friendly sport, so perhaps the bigger crowds would be able to offset these problems in the future. I don't think that will happen for awhile. This year, those in the know watched pump. Next year, if it's still around, it will gain more popularity, and maybe the next year. It won't be until a couple of years that it really draws enough of a crowd to be anything but a sideshow to the main event- the competition that shows off the money-makers in the industry, and those that sponsor the event.