I agree too. HSC has taken over the brains of many people at my school and shamefully, people are reluctant to share their work and etc.
Personally, I perceive that to be an ultimate form of abomination. Yes, HSC is important but it shouldn't be practised to the extent when it takes over our sense of integrity and friendship which will last much longer than what HSC does!
To be completely honest, I have NO problem in someone beating me. Yes, I do want to come first but that's purely because of the sense of achieve I get from it. If I don't deserve it, first place would be meaningless.
Recently I told my maths teacher of the error in the exam paper. By doing so, I made myself vulnerable to losing 2 marks from my 100%, hence losing my rank to the guy who was unfairly marked due to the error. As I knew that he did better than I did, I had NO problem whatsoever about presenting that issue to the teacher. In the end, I didn't lose my marks...I am not quit sure how that happened....I guess being honest works...lol
But that's just me who doesn't need high UAI like others. In saying that, I would salute anyone who goes out of their way to help others.
They ARE THE ONES who are really smart. Because at the end of the day, HSC is a team work. It's a group effort. You want to help everyone so that they can help you when it comes to HSC externals.
I justs hope that people don't become somd kind of dickheads and try to help if others ask for one.
BTW, I wouldnt' care who comes first as long as it's fair and square.