My opinion on this ...... I know Im still an a*****e for it
Look at ET last year, same dealio. Many riders complained it was too much that day. Many riders complained this weekend it was too much. Not just any riders, top guys. What about earlier this year with the massive jumps (180' wasnt it?) and the SX rhythm section that was goofy, top riders complaining. Some of you guys saying nothing is wrong, its ruff and needs to be. When the TOP riders say its too much you have a problem. Watching it on tv means nothing, see it in person, ride it once. Pros make it look easy because they are THAT good!!!
Now that said, it should be strategic prep between motos. The rough does help slow down the racers and thats a good thing. It helps give better racing too.
Injury rates? That is part of the sport too but it sure seems there are more and more each year. I believe that is mainly due to riders pushing harder to win more than anything. But a smart track builder knows this and adjusts options to help bad decisions not be tragic or fatal ones. The key word is HELP, a safe track will never eliminate injuries. Every where we look in our 2 wheeled world we see the envelope being pushed to the extreme now. Kids are faster than ever in MX, each new batch wants to be faster than the last. Have you watched the crazy s**t they do on mountain bikes lately???? BMX? Hell, watch the xgames. Or Pastranas show. Scooters, Big Wheels, tricycles and wheel chairs! This stuff pushes people to try it and do better, more extreme. Nothing wrong with that at all. But we need to realize that unlike care racing and other motor sports there are very few options to help protect a body subject to forces around it with out protection from harnesses and a cage.
Its unfortunate when injuries are that severe but we cant blame just the track, just the riders throttle hand or just protective gear. I believe it is a combination of all those things. Hopefully each area can be addressed as often as possible to keep riders safe.