I didnt say that Cuffe wasnt a team player. My main point was that some marginal runners can try to calculate which race gives them the best shot at making it.
Im not knocking any of them.
But taking FM and Saratoga and East Aurora out of the FL race makes it so that someone goes to nationals who otherwise wouldnt. Before NXN the athletes went to one race.
The balance seems to be tipping to NXN- XC is a team sport.
I think if Cornwall had a shot, Cuffe and company would have been in Poughkeepsie.
Now, just take the speed ratings from the two northeast and the new york races and see who the top 10 are in the old FL format.
Better yet, go with 2 teams (3mor 4 with at large bids) and take the next 10 individuals.