Robert, what I think you are saying is, the pigeons are leaning against each other to support themselves in transit. I think its ludicrous that pigeons travelling in baskets/crates for many 100s of miles over a period of 3 days + have to endure such conditions. You also say that this is the feelings of a top fancier ( multi national winner) there are plenty of National winners that aren't the best of pigeonmen imo. their success mostly down to location.