I’m new but I personally really like the JO levels 2 and 3. My daughter (8) did not like pre-team but as soon as she started level 2 and competed, she was hooked. Our program is run by a former Olympian and she really believes in uptraining but competing at a level lower for building confidence. While I’m tempted to have her skip L3 (she had high 37s/38s all year at L2 and has L3 skills), I also see the value of really getting the strength, power, technical things perfect before moving up. And having the fun of competing makes them want to work hard and accept the super nit-picky corrections. The gymnasts our gym trains have beautiful form on everything- even the ones who aren’t naturally as good. So, yes, pricey but worth it for us. It has been such a positive, fun experience full of bonding and learning that I don’t think would have been the same without meets and leos and warm-ups that cost more than all my clothes .