Hmmm ... I don't think I ever expressed views on "a swarm or enlightened parents". You seem to have some kind of hang up with some parents (or coaches) that play politics. I simply disagreed with your "FACT 2- no one should be playing up at all unless your are a future YNT player" and that "It's a function of the parent ego every time". I believe I said that if the kid is good enough to play with them, and can handle the size and speed difference of the older age group, let 'em play. Which should agree with your meritocracy view. Remember, I said good enough to play not good enough to sit the bench (i.e. better than the 11th best '04). There are reasons, other than the parents ego, for kids to play up.
And as far as the the relative age goes, it can be a day to just short of two years, not the "upwards of two years" you claim (unless we are talking Anaheim Surf). But I can't say that I've seen an '05 at my club that is better than the 11th best '04 either. I wish I could also say that thus, there weren't any '05 offered spot on DA ... but I can't. So yes, I understand parents and politics.
I really haven't watched '05s much at all, but I have seen some '04s that looked good enough, fast enough, and physical enough, to hang with the '03 DA team at some clubs. I still stand by my point, if the kid is good enough to play with them, and can handle the size and speed difference of the older age group, let 'em play.