I think I'm actually also "with Pete Booth". My point was not that we should throw out the rule and just play. Heck no. My point was that I KNOW there are groups out there who did not feel the need to buy a meter BECAUSE we have a rule in place and they think that is enough.
If you've been somewhere with a meter, then you've likely seen cases where the meter sees lightning that you did not. Having a meter is MILES safer than just using the 30 minute rule.
Pete - you asked what I do on fields without a meter? Well ... I complain about it, and use 30 minutes.
I just don't like it.
And for those that think I'm just complaining and want other people to pick up the tab - in a league where I was UIC for several years - after I complained and complained, someone at a board meeting said, "We just can't afford the $300 for a meter". So for the next two weeks, my crew worked for half price on the insistence that the remainder went toward a meter. So now that field has one.