Forgive me for coming in so late in the coversation, especially if I've overlooked something, but why is this just now a problem? Starting line flash photography has been going on for decades. Is it the advancement of the photography equipment that is now bringing these issues to light? Has it always been an issue and they're just now figuring out that the cameras could be/are playing a role? Both?
For what it's worth, I've done some driving at night doing some nostaglia and match racing and although I don't have the same view that Master Minick has (whom I have a tremendous amount of respect for), I always noticed it. However, being pro-tree stuff, it happens after the fact, so it was never a distraction. As a matter of fact, for me at least, it added to the intensity of the run and I actually liked it.
Sean D