Collegiate Track Nationals has an odd problem.
If they had strict upgrade and experience requirements, they would have only a fraction of the participants. Basically, less than the few that show up at Elite Nationals.
The next thing is that colleges compete as teams for team points. So there is incentive to get as many athletes on the track as possible...including several beginners who may be road or criterium all-stars, but new to the track.
As it stands now, you have literally P/1/2 caliber athletes riding in the same fields with CAT 3/4 level athletes...with a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP on the line.
That's a very bad mix. There are athletes who literally have pro contracts racing collegiate nationals.
For example, in 2011, we had
Coryn Rivera in a field with several yong women who are riding the track for the first time. She won 6 events, BTW.
I don't know what the solution is, but the problem is clear.