Hi Dude,
SFI has been launched in 1998 with very minimal and nominal resources but after 16 odd years, now it has grown up like a giant peepal l tree from a few hundreds of affiliates to millions of affiliates as of now.  But the way  you mentioned, the playing field was  and is the same  and  also the captain of the team. 
Mr.Gery Carson and his most efficient team have put all their  sincere efforts  to improve the system periodically with many innovative and progressive ideas . SFI has moved nicely and steadily with those methods to please all types of affiliates whether they are old or new in the system alike.
I can narrate my own experience in a good way to make the things simpler. When I joined in SFI a couple of years ago, there were not many facilities or features the way the current lot of affiliates enjoys.  I was in the dire straight at times for the want of some suggestions and perhaps guidance from others. Now  we have a very vast improved system where everything is available with a click of a mouse. Moreover, if you see the auctions arena now, you will come to know that how they have improved the entire scenario of the auction circuit and how it was earlier. 
For example, now, you can opt from many auction windows and choose the right category as you belong to, like First Win, Junior Auctions and Regular Ones apart from the Big Dogs Auctions. Is it not a fair change? Or don’t you think so?  By all means, they have improved and made the best changes they can afford to, to please the entire   SFI  fraternity   to move forward and make a strong and profitable career with SFI. In the coming days, you can expect more and more positive changes in the system.
Hence, I don’t think that the Playing Field has been changed but the way it was looking earlier has  been changed in  POSITIVE and GOOD ways.  
Besides, once you get on the playing field it’s not about  whether you’re liked or not liked. All that matters is to play at a high level and do whatever it takes to help your team win. That’s what  it’s about. 
Wish you a great time with our beloved SFI !!!
                                                    
less
                                                 
                        Hi Dude,
SFI has been launched in 1998 with very minimal and nominal resources but after 16 odd years, now it has grown up like a giant peepal l tree from a few hundreds of affiliates to millions of affiliates as of now.  But the way  you mentioned, the playing field was  and is the same  and  also the captain of the team. 
Mr.Gery Carson and his most efficient team have put all their  sincere efforts  to improve the system periodically with many innovative and progressive ideas
...
more