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This appears to be one of the "seven concerns" of many who post to these boards. I wonder about some of our seasoned veterans and their decisions to seek advancement. Was it the challenge? Was it about prestige and respect? Was it about a better brand of baseball? Greater compensation?
What's wrong with an umpire being comfortable doing Little League and just trying to be the best they can be? Personally, I've done High School Varsity and Connie Mack including Eastern Regionals. I also had the opportunity to work a NYC Metro All-Star game at Shea Stadium. I've worked with partners who have done JUCO and NCAA Division III ball. I am reasonably confident I could "move up". Even if I did want to learn another set of baseball rules, I do not have the time to leave work to make college games. Therefore in one sense I have plateaued.
If the money is not a major incentive to umpiring I think the need to advance is not as great. If however, the level of play is not as challenging as before I can see someone wondering "am I good enough?" to move up. I also see the advancement goal as a two-edged sword. On one level it challenges us to get better. On the other side it leaves room for doubt about our work ethic. A byproduct of downsizing, job layoffs etc is that many workers now see their personal time as a perk in itself. I suggest that advancement in umpiring isn't something all should aspire to. Although this is not rules oriented I wonder what others out their think. Jim/NY
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