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Yeah, it's really more about fun for me, and conquering new challenges. Who knows where I'll end up in this sport; I'd like to think eventually I'll be a TI someday. Some things don't make sense to me about human nature either. Why do people climb rock faces with no tie offs? I can't think of a good reason why, other than that there's something inside them that's fulfilled by it. I like to challenge myself and my limits.

I'd suggest you progress in the static line program to freefall. That doesn't mean going to 12,500 feet and doing formations - it just means you get out and open your parachute right away. Often this is called a clear and pull, or a hop and pop. If you do a bunch of static lines you will find this pretty easy to accomplish. Several reasons for doing this: 1) If you can demonstrate that you can exit and pull yourself, a DZ will be _much_ more willing to put you on a load. You won't need anyone to deal with the static line. 2) Clear and pulls are safer than static line. Static lines require management to prevent premature openings in the plane, entanglements with other jumpers/parts of the airplane and the dreaded "student in tow." 3) It will allow you to use a conventional (=cheaper) parachute. It is also likely that if you do that enough, you will be able to talk someone into giving you a restricted A-license for clear and pulls only. That gives you the ability to go almost anywhere and have fun. (And don't let anyone tell you you are "not a skydiver" or anything. You are jumping out of an airplane for fun, and that's pretty much the definition.)

The problem is that in the past, "socialism" really has referred to a command economy: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialism The liberal side of the table is now using it to mean social programs, and the conservative side of the table is still using the traditional meaning.

Pffft. "Socialism" has turned into a conservative buzzword that means "I can't define this word, but it means stuff I don't like".

I have heard many jumpers say that but have never seen one actually do that. Don't underestimate the psychological pull that rig sitting on the shelf will have. Someone said buy the rig you are ready to jump now and I agree 100% with that. I have seen many jumpers downsize too rapidly and be just fine but also have seen a couple of jumpers permanently paralyzed doing that. It's just not worth the risk. Ultimately you have to live with the decision you make. It's much easier to live with the one that lets you keep walking. I don't know you and very little about you so this is very generic advice based on what I have seen being in the sport 33 years.

Yes, I'm quite happy with it to. Theese pics show colors more accuretly. It is Gossamer Green and Blue combination.