fair comment, but exposure of this side of the game would still be good for the sport surely
I'm not so sure (though I may be wrong??)
Increasing the "punter" side of paintball can only be a good thing. Massive bulk orders of paint, goggles, markers, etc keeping paintball alive. The Sup-air players of this world are constantly trying to get things for free, ridiculous paint deals, markers and accessories at stupidly low prices with "support" packages. If anything I would be tempted to claim sup-air is a drain on paintball...
If we look at the direction companies are taking - it is all moving towards the rec-ball, scenario scene in the woods. All the camo playing kit etc in the new ranges is geared towards "that side" of the game.
Skip the "punter" stage and paintball would be in dire straits. Sites would close, due to lack of business, in turn woodsball would be in turmoil, and that would lead to the demise of paintball, sup-air would not be able to stand by itself...
Keep sup-air in the niche market and let "punter" days be the public perception of paintball where customers will return on various birthday, team building and stag events.
Though this is just my take on it - I may be completely wrong - but hey, it's a forum.