Nobby, I always have a hard time deciding b/w Shorter and Rodgers as to the "greatest" (at least U.S-wise). I always thought, like you say, Shorter's Marathon PR is "soft": under right circumstances, definitely could have run 2:08. Can you imagine such a fluid, track-type stride on a race course like LONDON, with company, pushing the pace?! I would have to give the nod to BR at BOSTON, as Bill ran hills soooo tough (up AND down). Too bad when the two met at Boston ('78/'79), Shorter was past his peak, and we couldn't tell what he could really do at Boston. It would be great fun to see Frank in'72 form against Bill in '75-'80 form. Or, as you pointed out, the results of the '76 Trials IF only the WINNER got picked for Montreal!! (I think that we would still be talking about THAT one). Shorter and Rodgers were both so damned competive; it would be very hard to pick a winner in a race with both at their absolute best!! Maybe, someone could do a computerized simulation race, sort of like the Marciano/ Ali "phantom" HW title fight a few years ago? Probably not much of a market, though, just distance geeks like us.......may be 500-1000 in the U.S!
Have you thought any more about Boulder on Feb 10th? Jim Lundberg will be in Greeley for some legal work and might come down to watch.Could be alot of fun, cheering for good old TEAM USA MN!!!