Maybe words have a differant meaning than they used to.But if you run a car slower than it can its sandbagging. If you run quicker than 9.90 you break out. it is bracket racing, you just can't change your dial in, it is set at 9.90 Am I wrong?
I guess it can be perceived like that, sure. It's homogenized racing, sort of like NASCAR - the cars run the same number but the driver wins the race.
IMO, sandbagging would imply that you're not letting the competition see what you're capable of. If you run an index class, you should be able to run the number because your competitor believes that you can also. Wouldn't make sense to sandbag like you say but like in all racing, there is always going to be some strategy going on. It is what it is, it's a compromise.
Go heads up racing if you got the coin to roll with the big dogs. The outlaw 10.5 guys usually run their cars out the back door from what I can see.