I think this issue festers because, like all festering issues, it hasn't been directly address and the standards clearly defined. I always thought that competing in a legit BBing show qualifies you for blue stars. I never put much stock in this recognition but as time has gone by I do recognize that it is not an easy thing to do to get on stage. It takes some amount courage or a bit of blind delusion. Both qualities I would like to see recognize.
Obviously, if the standard is being a competitor then Basile clearly qualifies. If there is some age difference or minimum year requirement it should be plainly stated. I believe Basile competed into the early 70s. It would be a bit of a travesty if competing in the 70s and even the sixties is considered too long ago. Would Larry Scott and Bill Pearl not merit blue stars?
There is another issue brought up that I suspect might be more of the reason for Basile being ignored. That being his heavy criticism of the IFBB, Bob Chic and the industry as a whole. If that is the case it should simply be stated plainly. That you qualify for blues stars if you had competed in a legit contest and that you do not criticize the IFBB, it's representatives arbitrarily decided on, and the industry in general. And that also that Ron personally does not dislike you.
Of course this might diminish the recognition as it is partly determined by an arbitrary subjective evaluation.
