I see your point, but don't necessarily agree. Since you mention scenarios, how about this one. I like to sport tour. Actully, I like to sport ride over touring distances. On a 500 mile day through WV, you'll cover 2,000 corners (probably much more actually). The pace tends to be fast. Some of the roads I've ridden before, some I haven't but there's no way that I can remember the line through that many corners. My pace is based on my ability to negotiate each corner like it was the first time I've ridden it. Now, I've done lots of those rides with some seriously great street riders and some seriously great track riders (some that were both). One guy that stands out in my mind was a track stud. He was quick on the street as long as he was following someone else, when he was in the lead, meaning he couldn't base his pace on any one else, he was seriously slow (he actually wouldn't lead for that reason). Very strong on the track, but not an accomplished street rider and he knew it. Sometimes I lead those rides, sometimes I don't. Either way, I've never felt disadvantaged becuase other riders have track experience. I have a reserve also. Track experience is great. It's a good way to gain experience, but it's not the only way.