Meh, I do prefer to have a group of younger similar kids.... but I have seen so many exceptions that I would never rule anyone out. Having overarching rigid rules will ultimately hurt kids and the sport.
For smaller gyms that are likely to have a wider age rage within a few gymnasts of similar level, being restrictive is potentially costly on a meet weekend. They can't just have all their similar ability athletes compete in the same level.
Equally you have the other end of the spectrum, young kids pushed into a level they can't do, lacking in skills, form and polish/presentation. Then parents justifying it because they are younger than everyone else - because the adults involved in the other cases waited until the kids could actually do the level.
Perhaps the gym that has the issue, can run their own meet and ensure the age groups are to their own satisfaction. I peraonally think it's good for kids to compete against different kids at each comp. It's just a gymnastics meet, they should be focused on skill development and personal performance- not cheap plastic medals and trophies.
