WAG Event specialist starting L8?

[nycljk]

Hi, I understand one can be an event specialist starting at L8 (can before as well, but not really done at L6/L7). Assuming one is not trying to get a college scholarship what are the pros and cons of this? I think it happens anyway relatively frequently as one gets to the higher levels? A gymnast has to declare as an IES and get 8.5s to move through the levels (and state qualifying scores change, ours is 9.0), but one can keep moving up in the sport. What else should she be thinking about? Thank you.