Bingo!
It's funny that this post resurfaced this week, just two days ago I was asked if I'd mind teaching in softies this season. My response was, I'm buying skis and getting certified to instruct skiing. When AASI formed I reached level 2 in hardboots and was never discouraged from going for my level 3. I ended up not teaching for about 8 years, and had to retest for my level 1 last year. It was made quite clear to me last season that although I am accepted, there is no way that I could ever hope to pass a level 3 with hardboots and a forward stance. Funny that the Y model is still taught to instructors, but not supported.