I totally can see the benefits of eliminating testing fees. Personally I'm OK with a small testing fee if the tests are being held at an abnormal time, or to share with outside help if it is needed. It's only fair to pay their transportation costs and maybe treat them to a nice dinner. The one thing I am confused about is the inconsistency with the yudansha rank identifiers. It would make sense to me if all yudansha rank identifiers were being eliminated, but they aren't. The advanced ranked yudansha will be identified. My prediction -- and this is totally subjective and based on no experience -- is that unless the rule is applied consistently across all yudansha ranks, then it will be a total failure. The upper ranks still get to keep their vanity stripes and pride will remain there. I do think that it is a good idea to identify the instructors though, as long as all yudansha are eligible to complete the instructor course. I do think that this is a great start though!
