As a former band member myself, and watching marching competitions as a kid, its fascinating to see the changes you have gotten over the years. I miss traditional marching where it was marching and not a show, per se. Heck, my high school didn't get a color guard until the mid 90's. However, I think I like the UIL format better than BOA. BOA seems to aware the more elaborate BIG shows where UIL is judged against a standard, giving the poor little guy a chance.
I have to think that guys that do traditional marching shows like some of the schools in East Texas feel that UIL is their big show to achieve excellence. At any rate, as a spectator and a mom of a band kid, this is such a wild ride!