I think that this model is really bad for player development. I don't even understand the theory behind it. If someone could explain it to me I'd be grateful. 

I think that the quality of these U20 teams is not even close reserve grade was. Before if you were a young player who was good enough you were promoted from U19s or whatever into reserve grade, which was of a high standard, full of players pushing to get into first grade and first graders coming back from injury etc. It was a real accomplishment as a 16 or 17 year old to get into reserve grade. And the players and the quality (and more than anything the intensity) prepared you for first grade. 

What I see is now that the quality between the U20s and first grade is so vast its ridiculous. Playing U20s is no accomplishment, its easy to do, its often poor. And it does not prepare young players for first grade. I would much rather a 17 year old with potential playing reserve grade back in the day than U20s of today.   

Thoughts?