Damn! I just saw this thread! We're back on this again? We all know the short of it-- it's the same old "let us know what kind of crash you're going to have, and we'll build you a brace to protect you".
IMO-- protective gear IS something to be talked about, but more focus ought to be put on avoiding the accidents that the braces are there to protect in the first place. I've often thought that a track could be built that's challenging, fun, inventive, and twice as safe as most of what's out there.
I know it's just a CRA track-- but since they redid Amherst, I've heard nothing but how much the riders like it, and they have seen a dramatic drop in injuries at their races. It's just one example I know of in the area where safety has been improved w/o taking the fun out of the track. ---L*64