Gregg, This is certainly a reasoned viewpoint, and not even disagreeable. What my practices are based on are the abuse many students take, and the complaints of the very students you describe, the ones who in spite of life's obstacles do good work in the midst of lifes struggles. Perhaps in some professions, "padded grades" don't matter much. For me, in he medical classes I teach and supervise, there is little room for students not demonstrating minimal knowledge and proficiency in skills that involve procedures involveing the health, safety, and wellness of the hospitalized patient. Barry Westling