Oracle, I think you are just looking at one aspect of synthetic surface. The theory behind a synthetic surface is 1) the safety of horse and jock, 2) to keep maintenance costs down and 3) to have a surface that isnt bias. Some tracks (in my opinion) needs a synthetic surface and some don't. I dont think you will find too many people who wont argue that a place like Turfway needed it. Woodbine and the inner track at Aqueduct also need it. Keeneland needs it to make the track more fair. Some west coast track needs it too. I dont think it is as easy as just putting down a deeper surface. Geography plays a huge role in what type of surface is best. Again, a synthetic surface isnt a replacement for dirt, it is an alternative to dirt racing.