Me too. I would hate to see any of the branded IM races go draft legal. I would not feel safe.
Let me add to that by saying that those who think that part of the solution is to change the attitude of the athletes are wrong. In any group you will have those who follow the rules because of their good character and those who will break any rule if they can get an advantage unless they fear the chances and consequences of getting caught. Unfortunately we will never succeed in persuading everyone to follow the rules out of a sense of honour. The only solution to the drafting problem, if like me you want to preserve the no drafting rule, is to rigorously enforce the rule and to make the penalty meaningful. (I like the lap(s) of shame idea)
With respect to races like IMC where huge numbers of people come out of the water at the same time (1:07 - 1:20) you don't need to deal with every guy who has not complied perfectly with the rule. there are too many people on the course for that. But there is a significant difference betweeen long linesof people who are trying ot comply with the spirit of the rule and those who sit right on someones wheel for an extended time or worse (and more obvious) ride in large packs. I think if you deal with those guys (penalize them, the whole pack if it is a pack situation) you will have solved most of the problems.
The more room for the riders at any point on the course, the more strictly I would enforce the rule.
Does this then mean that the marshalls will be asked to make some judgement calls in enforcing the rule? Of course it does, but that's part of the job.
For the pros at the front end of the field, they only ride close together if they choose to, they have lots of room to spread out on the course. I would strictly enforce the letter of the rule for them.
One more thing, if a marshall pulls over and penalizes an entire pack, is it possible that some innocent rider that has just been overtaken by the pack will be unfairly penalized? Of course it is. Justice is never perfect. But if it means we catch 20 cheaters who are getting a huge advantage by riding in a pack, I am willing to take the chance that I and others may on rare occaisions be unfairly penalized. I am already penalized by the advantage they get from riding in a pack. I would prefer to have the pack penalized with me.
Grant