I;ll throw in my 2 cents
First, I agree, let's all take a deep breath.
Frankly, I agree with both arguments. Let me explain a bit (not too long, but...
)
I used to compete, have a few ribbons even. Also, while it is true that you don't need anything fancy to win, more often than not the person using the fancy launch equipment *does* win. Which is to be expected as that equipment provides an edge. What is worse though (5 out of 5 for me), if I noticed an event where everyone who was pushing the envelop had DQ'd (which is also common), and I submitted a model that just met the qualification rules (like the time I turned a Big Bertha into an egg lofter and took first place), some of the hard core competitors get upset and then file a formal protest. Etc, etc, etc.
Point being, it got too cut throat and lost all enjoyment for me (personal observation - some *love* the cut throat nature of competition).
Also, I have often attended NARAM or other events hosting competition only to hear folks looking over the models and commenting "oh man, look'it THAT one! Man, I could NEVER beat something like that" (paraphrased). This indicates to me that "competition" is often at such a high level that it can scare away a lot of people.
Should machined jigs be allowed to attach fins? Yep, no problem. Should pistons and towers be allowed? Of course. It's all a part of winning. Just like NASCAR or Baseball.
HOWEVER, *unlike* NASCAR and Baseball, there is really only ONE division "The Best Division". By that I mean that there is only a competition outlet for the cream of the crop. For others classes of modelers there really isn't any other option. For someone to get ot the point where they have a chance to get to national champion they FIRST have to be willing and of a temperment that allows (enjoys?) loosing over and over in an effort to build their skills.
Imagine if there were no Class A, AA, AAA baseball. Imagine if the only way someone would get into major league baseball is if, from their VERY FIRST baseball game ever, they had to play against a major league baseball team.
What we are missing (personal opinion here) is the equivalent of a "farm team" for rocketry competition. One proposal I heard of that I like (well, on the surface. I haven't seen a lot of the details) is a series of events that are "stock events". Basically you build only from available kits, build it stock and launch from a stock launch pad. As described above, the contest would be based solely on your modeling skills. This would easily (again, personal opinion) get more people competing. Those who are good at it and enjoy it would be tempted to move on to the "open class" confident that they have built up a set of skills that can help them compete. This, as opposed to scaring them off before they even get a taste of it.
Anyway, my 2 cents. Your mileage may vary...
jim