I never see the point of the 1 piece round myself, and would be more than happy if they tossed it.
Does anyone not think that thong suits could hinder it in other ways? Sure it would increase the [male] fanbase, but wouldn't some girls not want not wear a thong on stage? Reduced number/quality of girls? And what about family members coming to the show? Can you really invite your granny,dad, aunts and uncles to a show if you are wearing a thong? Would it not sexualise the shows, even more so than now?
Ehh...you're thinking too much, CQ. For one thing, having fewer girls competing on the amateur level (NPC) would be a good thing.
Maybe not for Manion's wallet, but certainly for the competitors and the audience. Secondly, the glutes are an important bodypart in judging a woman's shape and development. That's why the suits are the way they are in NABBA.
NABBA shows seem much better all-around. From the posing suits, to having the women hit a few open-handed poses. Do those who have attended NABBA shows feel as though they are in a hyper-sexualized environment due to the [gasp] thong-back posing suit? I doubt it. Maybe its because Europeans in general are far less prudish about the human body than Americans. Ironically, Americans probably consume (and certainly produce) far more pornography than any other country, but we just don't want to admit it because we're a country built on "solid Christian values and morals."
But I digress...
Anyone who's attended one of NABBA's shows should feel free to chime in. I think if the shows are run in a professional manner and in the spirit of athletic competition, you're not really creating a "sexualized" environment. IFBB/NPC shows, as well as INBF shows, don't come off as sexual environments to me. Maybe its the spirit and/or intentions you that you bring to the show.