Bob,
does the overall package you speak of include having a relationship with the head judge?
Ruhl and Paco didn't have lunch with the judges, and didn't quite enjoy the same benefits you seemed to make use of.
you did look your best in 2002, I'll give you that.
However you were also very full of yourself as well.
You talking about the same releationship with the same head judge that had me stuck at the National level for 13 years?
I never had lunch with them either, or dinner as was falsely reported...
That being said....virtually every pro knows the judges/ officials, and have for many years now...as we are all in the same game, see each other at the same shows, etc....they're still judging on what they see.