Wiping and ramping are two symptoms of the same issue - lack of respect for the rules, or the "win at all costs" mentality that has become so pervasive in this sport.
I was watching an old Traumahead tape the other day - I think it was the AC Open NPPL. I noticed that one of the players (a well known pro player on a high profile team) was using full auto, which made me think of the ramping issues we see now. The problems of using technology to cheat aren't new, nor is wiping. Players wiped hits when we played in the woods, probably a lot easier than they do now. Ten years ago we were thumbing the cocking rod of our autocockers to get an extra 20 FPS on a shot. Now, it's ramping software.
The basic issues of cheating are still the same. What's changed is how much more pronounced they appear at all levels of competition. 5 years ago it was mostly pros using "cheater" technology (with a few notable exceptions). Now that technology is available to anybody who wants it. Same thing with wiping - where it was a "dirty secret" a few years ago, now it's a celebrated "skill"
Why this change? Partly the pressure to win has increased. Even 5 years ago, this was still a hobby even for the "professional" players. Now, with money, sponsorships and fragile egos dependant on winning, there's more pressure to gain any edge possible. Hence the win at all costs mentality that not only condones but encourages cheating.
Another reason for the change is the players disdain for the rules. Back in the good ol' days of team reffing, the level of reffing was inconsistent (to say the least). Some teams were strict and on top of their calls, while others just sat back and watched the game or, worse, displayed obvious bias in their calls. Bias and favoritism were favorite excuses for losing a game back then, just as they are now. So if the refs are out to get you, then it's OK to cheat just to even things up.
The NPPL didn't help things with the advent of the robot, which sent the message that a marker is only illegal if the robot catches it - the obvious implication being that the on-field refs were qualified to make these decisions. Combine that with a fledgeling ref training program lacking in experience, and you get a general disregard for judging that you see from so many players today.
In a sport that's supposed to as honor-based as PB (particularly back in the woods days), it's interesting to note how the player attitudes have changed.
