[ltr]This conversation has been going on for years here too, with no easy explanation/resolution. Here is what I and most of my friends who have won the big tournaments and played at every small silly one too:
Ultimate is a sport and it is more than a sport. People gravitate towards ultimate because they want to leave traditional conventions of other sports behind. Most ulty players want the highest level competition, but they are sick of asshole coaches, boring competitive events, and mainstream sports thinking. Ultimate is different, and that is why we play it. That is why college soccer players quit their teams and join the ultimate team. Here in the USA, this is so common it is ridiculous. You ask why and they tell you a different version of the same story, "I took one look at that game, the people, and the scene, and I knew I was wasting my time in ___(other sport). I felt like I belonged here and I could accomplish my goals and then some. Plus the chicks are hot".
Our UPA has established a saying: "Ultimate: A revolution in Sport". You may think this is overblown, but if you really look at it, attend other sporting events enough, you will know how true this is.
We have to value the CULTURE of the sport as much as the game, because it is pretty freaking unique.
Spirit lives in our competition, on the field, that is for sure. But great spirit has created this amazing culture that forms when ultimate happens, especially in tournaments, and that cannot be denied and should not be minimized. It is, I believe, what brings the best people to our game. Always has, always will.
David[/ltr]