There are loads of people in the paddock that will help you learn and progress Matthew. IMHO, neither Walter ir BOD would allow someone to ride expert if they didn't believe it was safe and proper and deserved. Some of this is winter time boredom helmet talk and some is reaction to other comments and others reaction to percieved safety issues. Just go race, learn and progress as you can the rest will sort itself out. Don't be discouraged over this thread comments.