Nicole vs Graham: The logic of grade in- and deflation

Debate/Jens: Fred Nicole is the pioneer who some 8-15 years ago put up amazing boulders in Switzerland, Rocklands and Hueco Tanks. This was a a new era as steep boulders were in focus. Previously, the hero Fred had been on the cutting edge, putting up less steeper lines in Fontainebleau etc. As he moved to steeper terrain and found himself fighting harder and spending more time to complete projects, logically he gave them harder grades and for which he should not be blamed. At that time his grades were not inflated, but with the rapid spread of bouldering gyms and steep outdoor problems, a new generation of boulderers found Fred's steep 8Bs easier relative to vertical lines of a similar grade. During this time, personal grading was not very common as most climbers took the topo grades as gospel and once they set up new boulders, they used the first classics as grade references. In 2003, 8a started to identify the problem with steep boulder grades, and as we informed the community we were heavily criticized. In 2004, Dave Graham stepped up and took a stand on the inflation issue. Graham published an article here at 8a on the topic, and down graded many boulders in addition to putting up The Story of Two Worlds, 8C. Later, more 8a top ranked boulderers have adopted Graham's mindset and suggested personal down grades, deflating the steep boulders' soft grades.