I like the compromise and am prepared to accept it for what it is - fun, cheap (relatively) flying/gliding.
Not for the purist I agree - but at this moment in time I have more life critical stuff to do than hang around the launch point all day waiting for 3 x 5 minute circuits or 1 x 20 minute tow. I think you would find there are many people with busy lives (kid demands !!) who feel similarly..........that has always been the issue with Gliding and is the reason why the Gliding Clubs have launch points populated with under 25's and over 55's - they have the time and the money (the over 25's - under 55's just don't).
This is however a different issue and is somewhat off the track of the thread.
For me there is also the issue of currency - 3 x 5 minute winch launches every 2 - 3 weeks depending on the weather is not the best currency ratio, 1 hour once a week in the TMG is much better or 1 hour in a decent representative SLMG is even better.......... That's all.
It's horses for courses - this horse has chosen his course............
Arc