As an ex local racer (a few steps below the AMA privateers) I respect anybody that has the courage to get on a track. OTOH, did you see the closing speeds from the front mounted cameras? How about the erratic riding by some of the back markers before, during and after being a pass? In the Saturday race Hayden spooked a big clump of the slowest riders so badly he picked up 2 seconds in one lap. That is not racing, that is Russian Roulette.
People who are lapped before the halfway point do not belong on the track during a professional race. Amateur racing provides a place where everybody can get on a track, support classes provide a step between amateur and top level racing. At any level there will be variations between riders and bikes but the AMA's "112% rule" is just too generous.
Bostrom, Hayden and rest are at work here folks, they are not out for a fun filled afternoon ride. They do not have the option of backing off and passing the slow guy a few corners later or on the next straight. They are forced to add even more risk to a dangerous job by passing people who are both slow and erratic. I'm not talking about guys like Brian Parriot, Woody Deatherage and Brian Livengood, they have slow bikes but ride them well, I'm talking about people who just are not ready to be in a professional race.
Racing is dangerous enough without adding unnecessary risk. How would you like having your career, health and even life endangered because you boss wanted a "full office" (as the AMA wants a "full grid")?
SlowBear