On your first point, you're right. I might be changing the channel, too, if I weren't able to watch in HD. As far as that goes, the fact that all 64 games are provided by ABC/ESPN in high definition kind of glosses over the lame commentating, perhaps for me?
On your second point, I can't argue with you. So since I think Eric's the most arrogant of the bunch, I'll place most of the blame on him. :-)
(And speaking as a mom, I can tell you first hand that the AYSO program for kids is mind-bogglingly idiotic, socialist, aggravating, and intrusive. As much as I love soccer (and my kids love soccer) I refuse to let them participate. It's that bad. So the types of people coming out of that system and calling it great, REALLY give me pause. I don't know what's going to happen to American soccer.)
SCORE FRANCE!
Vive La France!
Yes, AYSO has a bad case of elitism. In fact, many think our national team was favorites picked by elitism, not the best skilled players. In other words, the families of these players paid their way to get them to the national team.
Great assessment lainie!