Cale Leiviska was a top athlete in high school (good genes, nephew of Paul Molitor) but didn't have much history with disc sports like Brodie. Cale started sanctioned play in MPO (no sanctioned amateur play). His rating progression starting in May 2004 is similar to Brodie's rating increase in a similar time frame. Cale has never dropped below 1000 after getting to 1002 in Dec 2005 using 50 rated rounds. (We only did rating updates every 2-3 months at that time.)
974 15-May-2004
972 15-Sep-2004
953 15-Dec-2004
968 15-Feb-2005
977 15-May-2005
988 15-Jul-2005
996 15-Sep-2005
1002 15-Dec-2005
There are approximately 920 PDGA players rated 990 and above. I do believe, to achieve even a second tier status, more than a 1000 rating is needed. The top players have an ability to compete and a mental uniqueness, that gives a skill to do more than throw well, but to live in moment within competition. The vast majority of these 990 rated players are not touring pros, for various reasons. Many, despite being very good disc golfers, would not reach even second tier pros.
We have no idea if Brodie is any different. We are likely to find out in the next couple seasons, but currently he has failed to translate his skill into winning, or even really competing. He has a history of top level Ultimate competition and his disc golf journey is in its infancy, so we shall see.
ru4por, I understood Cgkdisc's comments very differently. I understood him to be saying "Cale had a similar case to Brodie thus far in that both ascended to 1000ish rated very quickly after picking up the sport." The implication being that Cale has maintained a top 20 rating for around a decade now, and Brodie might do the same. You're totally right that 1000 rated isn't second tier; I'd argue that it might not even be a third tier.
Also, can you clarify why you're hesitant to ascribe to him the ability to win? I definitely see his mental ability to win from his ultimate days (if you haven't watched him play ultimate you should, especially in an elimination game). He also has the work ethic, and clearly has the disc ability. I'm not saying he will definitely win, but the ability seems to be there. Thoughts?