New people always ask about release altitudes. The more relevant question is the rate of launches. We learn to fly and gain proficiency through repetition, we gain altitude in thermals. Ever ask the guy doing pattern work in a 172 how high he got?

For most licensed pilots I think the release height is very important.
If you go to all the trouble to get ready to go soaring, you want to get high enough to have a good chance to get away.
Nick
T