Agree with you on this Chuck. The Darlands, Stanbroughs, Hines, Cottles, Coons, etc. may not win every night but through the years they are more often than not in there at the end, winning, or with a good finish and their equipment is ready to go the next night. Plus, they didn't run over anyone to get there. I put Brady Short in that same category. He has won all over the region but chooses to run closer to home, obviously for his own reasons. He doesn't need to justify his schedule to anyone.
Can't deny Ballou is on a roll such as we haven't seen for a while and I wish him continued success. I see no reason to choose one over the other, but just to enjoy the successes of both.