Enjoy your class, Mark is rumored to be a great instructor. Your first experience in a BP/W setup sounds like most who have made the switch; hard to believe that something so seemingly low tech (as compared to today's line up of modern BC's) can be so damn comfortable as well as functional. The only time you will really notice the crotch strap is if you ever start scootering (the 2in definitely offers some advantages over the 1in straps ).