I've been to APF, WPC, WABDL, and USPF (now usapl) meets.
I can tell you it used to be more of a matter of who's putting on the meet then the rules of the organization per-se.
Unfortunately, the USPF started sending representatives to the state meets and pressuring the meet directors to strictly conform to their bullshit rules which started ruining it.
I mean, if the only meet in town is a USPF meet and you get there and the director tells you that you can no longer wear a denim, can't use an extra long squat bar, and says you are going to have to put your squats 3" below parallel, it's not a whole lot of fun. Especially, when previous conversations with him led you to believe the contrary. Meets are supposed to be fun. Oh, and by the way, take a random drug test for us because you're really big.
IMO, if you really want conformance to strict rules, save these for your Nationals. I know what I am getting into going to a USPF Nationals, and I personally wouldn't go, but there are people who live and die by that, so good for them. Let them go there.
Since there is no money in the sport, and people do it strictly for the love of it, let's not ruin things with anal judging, bullshit rules, and politics.
I have been impressed over and over again with the APF because all of the lifters seem to have fun. There were a few years where everything was getting passed, but you know what??? Who gives a shit?? If you see that high squats are getting passed, squat high at that meet. Don't bellyache about it. Again, Nationals should be a little stricter but still not to the point of stressing the lifter out.
After going to my first 3 lift meet in five years, I now see why I love the sport so much. A few lifts got passed which shouldn't have (probably my 771

), but everyone was intensely enjoying themselves, there were no injuries (thanks to the new gear), and it was just awesome to hang out with quality lifters. Also, the meet director and the judges were fair and fun to hang out with. They were all lifters themselves (which makes a huge difference). Who the fuck wants to be judged by some 165lb weakling when you are a heavier lifter.
Just me rambling. Let's not start a flame war. They already got one going on goheavy.com Funny how all the squeaky wheels on that board are USAPL lifters. The most helpful people on that board are all APF. Coincidence?
/irish