now... before i give my OPINION on this and the "boycotting USBC" comments, i just want to say one thing. Don't crucify me for it. its just my opinion. i see alot of people making comments, statements, or stating their opinion, and are just beatin' down verbally by other people for no reason. so with that said, here we go.
i have bowled in bowl style leagues (non-sanctioned in summer, just to keep the consistency going) and haven't noticed that big of a difference. what i see more in the non-sanc league than i do in the sanc leagues is the competitiveness. and this may just be in my area, but the non-sanc leagues are like "practice leagues", "bragging right leagues", "fun leagues" or just "entry-level or low average" leagues.
but why get back at the USBC by "boycotting" sanc leagues? do you really care that much about a plaque or ring or patch? i don't. but thats just me. i bowl for me and my team. i love bowling and i am competitive with it, but also have lots of fun. never had a 300-299-298, 800 series never picked up a 7-10 split, and wouldn't care if they discontined "prizes" all together when i do accomplish some of those goals. everyone keeps complaining about the quality of the prizes, but were some of the accomplishments deserving of the prize. did you throw a 300 with a brooklyn?? or in a house you average 230 in but not the house you average 200 in?? is a THS too easy to get 300's and should only be credited in a sport league or pba league??
all i am saying is have fun and bowl.... nothing wrong with 300's, or 11-in-a-row, or 7-10 pickups... keep up the good work. but don't do it for the "prize" do it for the recognition of your fellow bowlers, friends, and first off, yourself and team. keep supporting each other.