In a strong NT universe (Canada) most strong and ALL average players defend much worse against a weak/mini NT then over a 15-17 setup. Its not the first bid the problem its the follow up. If bridge was just about the first bid we wouldnt playing it.
After a penalty X are all other X penalty ? What if opps XX that its to play ?
How much stenght is showned by
1Nt---(X)----P (to play)------(PULL)
pass--(raise)
If you overcall how much strength do i need to raise, how much to bid a new suits ?
If you X and bid a suit later how much strength do i need to raise to bid a new suits ?
Is a new suit by doubler forcing after advanced made an unforced bid ?
What our way to find 4-4 fits after an overcall ?
What about balancing positions ?
etc
I agree that most is about bridge logic but tuning is still highly necessary.
A big part of an average player bidding knowledge is opening/response/rebid by opener. If you remove that by playing a dominant system (dominant as you are forcing them to play in your world of expertise) players just lose a big part of their knowledge and of their fun.
Im all for FP system, we are playing relay system with a lot of relay that dont show inv strenght of better that are rarely allowed in tournaments so i feel the pain. Also instead of constantly alerting ill be glad to put my system away for a while, to just relax, try to nail them, preempt when they pass and collect the imps. But most wont be so happy to use their hard-working system only in 1st seat.
Just that in reality tuning your bridge for FP system is a pain for everybody.
Anyway you have to rely to higher authority to make the decision, im sure that from time to time they are checking the pulse of the population and when they feel the time is right they will allow it in the stronger events and depending of the success theyll make a decision. But dont be too optimist , Im pretty sure that ill have the right to marry a pet mouse before seeing FP in pair events.
I remember the ATP where trying slightly bigger balls for tennis they where more visible and despite going the same speed you had the feeling they were slower giving you more control and everything. Ive had great time playing with those tennis balls and im sure all amateur players would have enjoyed them a lot but unfortunatly after asking to the players they decided to switch back to the old ball and the bigger balls disapear from the market. So in the end top level players often have the last word.
Quote
To suggest that "natural methods will do very well" over a bid like 1♠ showing 0-7 and any shape is laughable
I agree 100% with that statement.
From Psych "I mean, Gus and I never see eye-to-eye on work stuff.
For instance, he doesn't like being used as a human shield when we're being shot at.
I happen to think it's a very noble way to meet one's maker, especially for a guy like him.
Bottom line is we never let that difference of opinion interfere with anything."