The simple AQM prediction σ tot (π -p)/σ tot (pp) ≈ 2 3 still fits experimental data to better than 10% suggesti an underlying dynamics describing the meson-baryon difference primarily in terms of the number of constituent quarks. Equally valid fits to the energy dependence of total cross sections from two models predicting very different asymptotic behaviour indicate that present data cannot distinguish between different pomeron models. Meson-nucleon and hyperon-nucleon data at higher energies could clarify finer details of flavor and baryon number dependence supporting a hierarchy of contributions inspired by large N c QCD: (1) multigluon exchange, (2) planar quark diagrams, (3) nonplanar quark diagrams.