There's one question I still have after reading this thread. What is the exact purpose of the rating system?

I'm very familiar with most of the arguments above, and think that understanding the purpose of the system would help decide which one is better.  If the point of the system is to tell the uninitiated how tough you are, the system will never be adequate.   If the point is to let someone decide if they are tough enough to tackle a section, we're oversimplifying things.  This is especially true of class V.  There comes a point when you just have to know what you are getting into and be OK with only having bragging rights with others who also know.

I'm curious what others think the exact purpose of the system is.  I'm not really decided myself.

A standardized method of communicating difficulty. Wether or not additional changes should be made is arguable but the purpose of a the rating system is rather obvious. The distinct difference in class V from other classes has me agreeing but then again listening to all the dumb talk has me wishing I were by a campfire laughing over a beer about the days wonderful happenins...

    I agree with wacko lll,  lV,  or V just lets you know your at the right put in.     When in doubt get out and scout.