It was hard to let it go, but I couldn't get level 6 athletes to practice enough to compete with GT. I could get the talent, but they have to travel a long ways, are an assortment of different college students and people who have graduated, and would only be able to practice once a week. I think I did a comparison and GT the week before Worlds puts in more hours to practice than we had all season. All our people have jobs and college cheer won't let them practice that much. Not to mention getting UCA cheerleaders who understand the flow and work of all-star is difficult (even though they can stunt and basket their butts off!).
Now level 5 athletes its QUITE a bit different. The attitudes, expectations, and practice schedule are a lot different. So we have had twice a week practices this year and it is amazing how much less stressed we are about just knowing the routine. By the time NCA and Cheersport roll around we will actually be prepared to go and have a routine that is comparable to our normal all-star teams (but way stunt heavier).
I would only do level 6 again if they agreed to practice twice a week.