Thanks for the pointers. The IAS scale seems very useful. Will try to get hold of it.

For me the main trade off seems to be in time available outside of school for other activities. when you grade skipped did you not find increased amount of time required for HW etc which curtailed other activities?

Also given the flexibility one has with online programs (CTY, EPGY etc) would that not be good alternate option? In the regrets thread their seem to be a bunch of social options to consider especially for girls.