I have found the ones that are most critical of this division whether athlete, parent or coaches, have absolutely no ties to this division. I don't like to assume anything, but I think much of the criticism stems from the mere fact people don't feel these kids should jump to a level 4 category, when Susie and Sam worked hard for years and progressed level to level with their tumbling.
Take ego, emotion and "I feel" out of it. There is a reason 4.2 is only in the Sr. category. Are the athletes capable of level 4 stunting? Does this help small gyms create a team that otherwise can't? Does it give higher level injured or those struggling with mental blocks a place to go? Is it a good place for HS cheerleaders that want to try All Star? Is it a good place for kids that started cheer late in life? At the end of the year did the athletes put together a successful level 4.2 routine? Were they proud of their accomplishment? If the answer is "yes" to these questions, then the creators of this division have been successful in making a home for hundreds of athletes that otherwise would have left or never tried All Star.