I'm not for or against
I'm not for or against certification. On this subject, the jury is still out for me. I too believe that everyone, no matter how little experience they have, has something to offer, something to teach, but I can't imagine seeing myself attending a class taught by someone with little to no experience. Sure, they can contribute as a student who raises their hand in class to present an idea and pose a question, and that shouldn't be frowned upon. When the class is over and you are all alone, out there, running, it will be up to you to be your best teacher. You can take from others, but in the end, you will need to call upon yourself to get you to the finish line.
Throughout our lengthy conversation on this subject here at the BRS, I specifically stated that there should be a rating and review section for each person who adds themselves to the map. That is just another project I can't get to for another couple of months or so, but it's on my to-do list, it goes with the map.
On the topic of natural running versus barefoot running, I think you and I differ in opinion here a little, Jason. I happen to believe that the BEST way to learn to run naturally is with our natural feet. I've posted this before:
I think natural running and proper running are two different things.
There's honestly nothing natural about shoes of any kind. That's like saying my shirt is natural or my hat is natural. No, they are artificial; they are fabricated. Bare feet are natural.
Some people can acheive a "proper" (remember the words safe and healthy when reading the word "proper" here) running form in shoes, whether they be minimal or traditional, and/or without shoes. Likewise, some people can run barefoot and never acheive a proper form. The barefoot person may be running naturally, but if they don't have a proper form, they aren't running properly. Perhaps the label we should be moving toward is "Proper Running."
The average Joe's best chances at achieving this proper form is first by barefoot, then by minimal, and good luck with traditional, although it can be done (just not by the majority of us).
Overall, the best way for the "majority" of us to achieve a "natural and proper running form" is by running barefoot.
This is my opinion, and just like a student in a class, I should be allowed to express it and respected for speaking it. ;-)