That's the clayjar's ratings system from geocaching.com. Problem is, not everyone uses it consistently. Case in point is a fairly recent cache called Savanic Mine http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=61648 which the owners have given a 1 * rating to. The cache description tells me it might be beyond my abilities. People who don't have limitations don't usually realize the difficulties a cache may present. It's also why I think something like handicap rating system might be better implemented locally rather than at geocaching.com. Since too many people already rate a cache without using their ratings form, what makes anyone think people will use an updated form or a new one?

There is definitely a need though. Recently I e-mailed someone whose log entries included mention of a physically handicapped cacher. I gave them a list of about 50 caches and compared them to other caches they had been to. They were very appreciative of the list since the handicapped person had serious heart problems and several recent hospitalizations.