I didn't make the gross comment but I for one did. Although I saw the necessity in some areas. Some areas didn't have the enrollment so they mix grades. When teams went by a U age system many times only the older players played while the younger ones got beat up and learned in practice. They waited their turn (the following year) when they were the older guys and the cycle continued.
not the best situation. the areas that are able to go grade base have the numbers and therefore have a bigger pool to pull and work with generally getting lucky talent wise too.
that said, I play my son up whenever possible, when it is our choice not someone elses.
