Gates mean nothing unless the gate is proven as a shocking option with the rider 10 yards behind the rest when getting to the first bend. The gate stat that is important is who wins which is normally the fastest rider. If there was no passing we might as well have one lap races.
I feel transponders and starting picks are pointless. If Woffy has the worst gate he'll still be beat most riders as he's got the quickest bike and rides it better than anyone else.