I largely agree with Mike’s opinion - while zone format does have a few problems, I feel it’s the most exciting format for spectators, and easiest to judge.  I’ve been setting in comps since the early 90’s, and like Mike, have experimented over the years with a lot of different formats - in my experience, zone comps deliver the most consistently judged, consistently run comps, although like Mike has pointed out, they do require that setters have a good idea of the caliber of climbers competing.

Point-per-hold comps inevitably have judging problems, and several times (well, three or four) I have seen competitors place lower than they should have due to judging screwups.

And for me, the rationale of ‘don’t worry about it, it’s only a local’ doesn’t wash - for many competitors, local comps are the only time they compete, and as such, these events can be extremely important to individuals.

T.