Originally Posted by
OldTryGuy
I'm thinking that mechanical cheating assists in the physical effort where as drug doping enhances the physical effort. IMO, mechanical is worse since it decreases the effort of the rider, like when a buddy comes up behind and gives you a push.
I think I see where you are coming from on this, but surely assists/enhances are mealy mouthed words for enabling an athlete to produce a faster performance than he/she could based on their own unassisted/unenhanced efforts. Acceptance of either method of cheating is the start of a slippery slope towards developing and even encouraging the development of ever better ways of cheating.
Much as I abhor doping in athletics, I agree with the op's opinion.