Since when do stages have to mean anything? I shoot because I love it...I don't shoot USPSA for training, realism, or any of that other stuff. I have never once looked at a stage and thought "hmm if this were real and there were 15 guys wanting to kill me what would I do." Anyone who looks at stages and thinks realism simply doesn't get it IMHO.
The way it sounds is that you are thinking leaving the metric target would be a big blow to USPSA or a victory for people that don't like our sport. Sorry but I really don't buy it.
I think we are making a mountain out of a mole hill here...
If it gets to the point Rob is suggesting...no amount of effort or work from anyone will make a difference