Yes for sure too many divisions. Maybe three instead of the current four. Remember, it is not just the number of schools but also the size disparity between the largest and smallest.
Not sure where you give larger schools a pass on recruiting. With their size, perhaps the effects of the recruiting does not show as much but I think it is safe to say that every school competitive in their Division as at least several students that' were attracted to that school in large part due to sports. Is this necessarily recruiting? Watch FCS and see if the seven or eight kids that came over from Spotsylvania graduate. Do they go to college? More important, do these players identify as members of the school. Would they commit to the honor of playing for their school if the coach leaves? In short, are the Fredericksburg Christian students or are they one or two year hired guns. If it is the latter, we will know. Look how fast Norfolk Christian went from the penthouse to the outhouse.
I will congratulate FCS on great year despite the beat down they put on my North Cross team in the semis. State championships are not a birthright and teams go on roles where they are competitive for several years. Programs come when you compete in the years when your talent levels are thin or young. A coach that brings in that many new players every year most likely will wear out his welcome and will leave after a couple of years.
Either that or the school gets tired of having their upper school athletic culture dominated by mercenaries. Happens all the time. Happened at NorthCross six years ago and they are still paying the price of dropping sixty on a cross town rival with players that did not represent the school.
As for transfer rules, my guess is that schools use athletics as a way to attract students in order to gain tuition money. Every time a kid transfers or re lasses, it means more tuition. Can't see schools turning down money in these tight time.
A 70 spot against Church... Maybe I feel a little better about the 53 we dropped to FCS in the semis. I look forward to seeing the Spotsylvania seven graduate and go off to good schools. That and my kids hitting puberty and the weight room!
Can't wait until next year.