The problem is that Olympia promoters have a way of working these newly formed divisions onto the main stage. If you want to see men's pre-judging, you already have to sit through the women's show Friday night (which got longer with the additon of bikini). And even if it doesn't make it's way to the main stage on the pro level, imagine going to an amateur show where there are 300 bikini girls and 100 figure guys. I don't see why it's necessary to award "pro" status for every money making opportunity the NPC pursues. I mean really, Mr. Figure Olympia??
Here is what I think the deal is.
The reason a high % of students still buy a yearbook is that they have their own pic in it and those of their friends.
1. The NPC goes from 200 to 500 plus entrants by adding figure and bikini
2. That is 300 plus more entrants at 100 bucks per, for an extra 30,000 bucks just from entry fee with little extra cost for promotion
3. Each bikini or figure babe will bring at least 1 freind, hubby or family member and they buy tickets.
4. Add male bathing suit class and more regular guys compete and bring a few friends.
5. The bodybulders just "suck it" and deal with it as they have no place else to compete, right now.
6. The organization makes a profit from those who attend and don't even try to expand the fan base.
meanwhilewe bodybuilders have to put up with the endeless hrs of NON bodybuilding crap up on the stage and wait and wait and wait for the real bodybuilding.
I will no longer buy finals tickets for that kind of crap. I was a serious fan that actually bought the best tickets I could get, NO LONGER if this continues.