I'm not american, but from what I've read:
- DP can definitely have benefits aside from elite/college chances.
- Both for DP and excel it depends a lot on the programme itself.
Some benefits DP can have, from what I've read:
- More focus on foundation, which may lead to better success with skills later on and less injury risk later on. However, a good excell programme will also have that
- Can teach persistance and other important life skills.
However, a lot depends on the programme itself and your own goals and options.
Within the Excel and DP programme, you could think about:
- Will this limit any chances further down the line (if that's important to you)
For example, if you do DP at a gym that repeats every level at least once, you may not get as far. If you go to an Excel programme that's not that goal oriented you may also not get as far.
- Is the environment healthy and safe?
If you see something that's clearly wrong, leave. Coaches yelling angrily at athletes for falling on a skill for example, if you see that I'd say report it and find a better programme.
- Can you afford it?
I think you make a fair point about potential costs, though keep in mind that if costs are too high in future, you may be able to switch. I would personally say: Don't get a second mortgage to pay for gymnastics, but don't keep chances away from your child so that you can pay for weekly five star spa visits or something. (I don't expect you'd do that, but I wanted to use two very clear extremes for the example)
- Will you be able to switch to the other programme if your gymnasts ambitions grow or if it becomes too expensive?
For DP to Excell if DP becomes too expensive or time consuming: the gym would likely allow it. The bigger question is whether you'd be worried about her not wanting to leave DP because of having bigger ambitions or friends in those groups etc.
For Excel to DP: This may depend on the
- What is the quality of the programme, and what do you want to get out of it?
Especially in Excel, you can check if they generally take the programme seriously. Do they train basics well, do they produce a lot of higher level xcell gymnasts? Does that matter to you? Does it teach her the right lessons? (E.g. persistance)
At the same time, is the amount of time too much, does it still seem fun to your daughter, etc. All these things can be different in different programmes, so: if you forget the labels and look at the programmes themselves, then which offer what you'd want for your daughter?
But most importantly: don't worry too much. She's 6.
Depending on where you live, there may be gyms that would take her to xcel even if she started older, and if the choice doesn't work out there may well be the chance to switch. So don't worry too much and enjoy it. I know I listed a lot to think about, but that's just so you can pick out the things important to you. In the end, so long as it's a safe healthy gym you're not making any life altering decisions here.