jfitch
Now, there are competition pilots who will willingly fly over unlandable terrain with no motor at all, just as there are those that will cheat in various ways. Such a pilot might abuse the capability. It seems to be rarely said that one of the reasons many pilots do not engage in competition is that risk is rewarded.

Jon
I question your statement about unlandable terrain. The very few racers that might have flown over unlandable terrain without a safe glide cushion are either not with us any more, or have broken a glider. Never have they been rewarded. Brains and technique are rewarded.

The benefit I see to a sustainer is getting home early and avoiding a long retrieve. This can be significant in a long nationals or world comp.

Regards
Richard Walters