I think 50% is too high for the first season but I do think it makes more sense at DIV III.  I understand the 'playing for free' concept, but DIV III is ruled by long-term successful programs way too much.  Having it that high does give newbies that hold out long enough opportunity every few years to recruit at a similar level as those long term programs (when newbies' good year coincides with veterans bad year). However, it works in the reverse as well as it only takes one bad year to have to start over.  It would be interesting to turn the first year to 40% and see how that would affect things, and it seems like a near consensus on lowering the number and that Seble may just be unaware that this is a desired change?