For what its worth, I couldn't be more disappointed with this proposal. First of all, slalom is confusing enough to explain/view as it is. This sliding gate rule only further complicates things (you must go through the first set of red balls…except on the first pass, as long as you make your gates and run the complete next pass.) Further, the entrance gates are no less important then three-ball for example. Why not miss three- ball on your opener (so long as you run the next pass.) I think the only real problem is what is and is not being asked of the judges. Lets eliminate lengthy gate reviews and give the boat judge a voice again. There are three judges, therefore no tie can exist. If it is so close that the gate judges split, give the call to the boat. I realize that his view is vastly different from the towers, but if it is close enough to split their decision, then it is obviously crazy close. They are judges, allow them to make a judgment call.
Lets save the mulligans for rec tournaments (which are super important, and receive too little attention.)
TF