Hiya Foreign Exchange, i know we have had our differences in the past,but lets put that aside,i completely agree with you about someone sitting in a dark room handing out demerits,first of all,i know nothing about curling,other than it takes pure skill,unlike snook/billiard games where you may get the odd player depending on " Hit and hope " play.
I have at times watched this game here on f.o.d and on television.
F.e. My name is Russell,i spend most of my time here with my girlfriend on the west coast of scotland,within the view of Ailsa Craig,the only place on this earth where curling stones are made.. good luck with your games,and say hi to Mersey (y)