The goal of the Olympic Trials Marathon should be to pick the best 3 Olympic Marathon Runners. As a 2:21 runner is was great to run in an "elite" field in Alabama but the trials are not for that they are to select our best team. A few thoughts:
Marathones are unpredictable...
-The "new" proposed system would give the "best" marathoners 2 shots to get on the team.
Deena and Meb did not win the 2004 Trials...
-Our two medalists finished 2nd in 2004 but they only needed to be in the top 3. The races would of been much different if only the top runner got to go.
US marathoners media exposure...
-Chances are in 2007-08 an American would win a major marathon. I dont think Meb, Deena, Alan C. and Ritz? would all be shut out in the 3 marathons. That would increase marathon exposure and hype the upcoming Olympic Games and maybe Boston would consider having an Ameican Only Elite Field which would give the winner of the race an Olympic Berth.
The 2:20-2:22 guys...
You may not get your elite only field with 100 runners but the 3 marathons would probably treat there top runners like royalty. I ran NYC with a PR of 5+ min. behind the top women runner (Paula) and I did not feel slighted in their hospitality at all. It was similar to the 2004 Trials.
Stick with tradition...
Having more than one selection race is nothing new. In 1960 the USOC used Boston and Yonkers Marathons as selection races.
Lastly, this new system may not be perfect but the three major marathons will back up with $$$ with is crucial in our sport. I support the new option.