Hi Sharon,
After much consideration, my vote would be to support Option #2.
Unsolicited Comments & Thoughts
It strikes me that this is a distilled micro version of the classic “lumper vs splitter” debates. #1 is more of a splitter approach while #2 seems more of a lumper application to the problem.
Option #1:
Two concerns come to mind if this option is adopted. First is that the colors are specific. Quite specific in fact. We know that certain (admittedly rare!) color variations have existed in the past. White cups, yellow cups, red cups and even possibly purple cups (P. verbanensis?). If one of these exceedingly rare forms is discovered next spring, based on option #1, the white, yellow, and purple cupped forms would NOT be poets. I feel that such a narrow color definition is potentially more exclusionary and less inclusive. Ideally, I would like to see the entire range of genetic expression in the Section accounted for and included in the definition.
The second concern is the potential downstream problem with future registrations. My sense of the matter is that adopting #1 will, by necessity, create an artificial construct in Div. 3 Intermediate registrations of things that really should be registered as Div. 9. From a purely mercenary perspective as a commercial grower, my bet would be that there would be far more commercial potential in Div. 3 Intermediates than with Div. 9.. However, I do not believe that encouraging Div. 3 Intermediates is the best thing for Section Poeticus. The blurring between Div. 3 and Div. 9, I believe, may accelerate if this Option is implemented.
Option #2:
I do like the (brilliant) idea of proportional measurement. I’d honestly like to reserve judgement on the 1/5 (20%) specific proportion of the cup to the perianth length until I can check the measurements on a number of things here but it is a GREAT starting point. The proportions do seem to be well thought out. This Option seems to provide a clear and reasonable dividing line for Div. 3 vs Div. 9. I love the “other colours” which I believe, reflects more closely the true range of expression that exists in Section Poeticus.
Sincerely,
Steve