the only reason for 18 inch or better size limits on s.m. bass is to increase the numbers & size for anglers to catch & that was the only reason for doing so at laurel lake. you don't need a degree or studies to figure that out. just ck out the regs that are on sm bass in minn. & wis. the results of these regs have been outstanding fishing for sm. do you think tenn. did studies on all the lakes in tenn when they increased the size limit to 18 inch on all their lakes beginning in 08 with the ex. of dale & douglas which have 21 & 20 inch limits.i do not like slot limits i like a straight limit dale is the only lake i know of that has a slot for sm bass. i believe that cumberland would benefit from a two fish daily limit & would have a better chance of passing than a slot limit. just remember that reg changes need the support of the majority of bass fishermen first before you submit them to the commission to change them,then they will take you serious. jmo john