Agree.

When two clubs are close neighbours then they are essentially competing for the a share out a the same pool of supporters, sponsors and junior players so there is bound to be some friction and a need to offer something better than your opponents. That said I agree that the yardstick any team should use are the most successful sustainable operations where ever they are, which in SL would be Leeds and Wigan at present with acknowledgements to the strong points of other top 4 clubs. Beat or match the best and you don't have to worry about anyone. So I agree with the sentiments expressed in the OP.

The only irony is that the worst offender for the non stop local dick measuring contest is not a few posters on a forum but an embittered ambulance chasing gnome who just can't resist getting in a few cheap pops at every opportunity.

Do you think the sheer number of derbies has affected this though - playing four a season (with the friendly and Magic Weekend) dilutes the occasion IMO. I don't think the quality of the game mattered so much when you only had 2 chances a year to put one over our bitter rival.

In saying that I don't think there's a better solution at the present time - both clubs need the friendly to bring in pre-season income, and I think the Magic Weekend needs the derby's to work as a concept.

My Dads bigger then your Dad

Oh dear. You were doing so well until you said that. If you want to start name calling then your chairman is a loud mouthed idiot who (okay rather than having a debate about the exact meaning of the word I'm typing over, lets say we've come far enough to demonstrate that Hull are not a good yardstick on here because it always descends to cheap point scoring - MR) violence to women.