'middle of the order'
just from outside observation, it seems like you have your home run hitters that go for the top spot, then you have the guys that are top of the pack cars, but aren't going for the top spot, and they're shooting for upper middle of the pack, to run the lower part of the ladder.
with that in mind, realistically i don't think the sportsman ladder does what it was intended for. bottom line, sportsman or pro ladder, a .40 under car doesn't have much of a chance.
actually with a pro ladder, everybody would be qualifying as hard as they could. your 'true' middle of the pack cars would be up against 'true' middle pack cars in round one instead of the homerun hitter no. 1 qualifier guys.
when everything shakes out, a bottom pack car may have a better shot with that home run hitter in r1. that middle of the pack car that runs .55 under like a bracket car is going to be much harder for him to take out....that home run hitter may have an extreme combo like a turbo or blown deal....may be a little more on the edge...i know that looks crazy on paper, but we all know how much that paper stuff will get you on the track....
i'm for the pro ladder because i think it rewards the top guys, and it gives the middle of the pack a better draw. but that's just my .02...