[Alex Leif]

There are a number of factors that promote reckless driving at the start of a race and I don't think increasing the damage is going to address the issue. Firstly, it's sim racing, not real racing. No actual risk to bodily injury or financial ruin. Secondly, everyone starts out right next to one another, so overtakes may be easier now than they will ever be once everyone starts getting away. Especially if they are 3+ seconds faster than you per lap (lol).

But most underrated reason is that the start of the race is literally the START of the race. You haven't even invested 1 minute into the race, so if it all goes to shit you can always just disconnect immediately and go do something else. These people DC whether they have a broken axle or a single tiny scratch on their bumper if they get spun out on turn 1... so increasing the damage would only hurt people who want to stick out a race even if it DOES go to shit.

Like me.

^ this

If every time some idiot makes a silly move and takes you out, your car is completely wrecked, how enjoyable is that going to be? With the current damage levels in SRS, you can usually get away with it, and carry on and finish your race. For me, that is a good thing!