MD, you might also want to consider the fact that it sounds like YOU don't want to play with the younger crowd. If there is no difference between players in various age groups, why aren't you content with playing with the 17 & under crowd?
Liability is the underlying factor for any of these age limitations, but you basically already admit that there is a difference in the quality of game-play between age groups or you wouldn't be lobbying to play with the older crowd. You could use the maturity argument for anything with age limits, driving, drinking, signing contracts... Why are you not allowed to have a normal driver's license at the age of 15 or 15 1/2? If you follow any kind of auto racing, (and I'm not a huge fan, but I'm friends with guys who are) you'll see that NASCAR will now let 14 year old drivers compete in some of their divisions. These same teens aren't able to get a license yet, even though they're handling cars with more power than anything they'll drive on a public road. It's all about liability. NASCAR can afford the (I imagine) extremely high insurance coverage for letting a minor on the track, and younger drivers don't start racing overnight.
It seems like so many younger players ask the same question, and want someone to come out and say "We don't want to play with you cause you suck," or something to that effect. It's got nothing to do with that. You're the future of the sport; we want you to stay interested and involved. We would prefer to have you on a field with us rather than running around the local neighborhood park, getting in trouble with the law/neighbors, but it's not a possibility.
All good things are worth waiting for. Cool your heels and take advantage of the games held by the organizations Mauraders Airsoft mentioned.
