Well Bill, in defense of riders like Petacchi, there is sometimes an alterier motive to entering a tour. You may recall how Cipolini had three stage wins at the Vuelta last year and then pulled out. He was in to train for another race that he won. Before his cancer, Lance Armstrong did the same thing, altough I think it was just one stage win instead of six. I do understand what your saying, but it's common practice. The tours go to the better climbers. The Giro and the Vuelta are even harder on sprinters.
On another note, do you think they'll finally let Cipolini race in the tour again next year?