Gilbert; Very good question, I'll give you my opinion, and why!
As usual, they will have the usual suspects in the Finals, most of the top 10 players in the country will be at the finish line once more, with maybe a couple of exceptions, like yourself!
IMHO, these are the reasons why, obviously, Pedro, Hugo, Jae Cho, Miguel, Mazin etc. are definitely the best our country has to offer right now, and seeding 1 top player in each flight doesn't hurt their chances. Also, having a field of 52-56 players, with 80% of players being B and C players gives the top players more time to get in stroke by playing more games beating up on the lesser players before the finals, it's just simple math! Also, the lesser players knock each other out of the top 2 or 3 spots for the finals by beating each other. With the 3 or 4 players in the field that are close to 900 players, it's possible to see some upsets!
The top players in the country stay in stroke at a higher level of play with better players coming to USA to compete in 4 or 5 tourneys a year; Most of the top players are at their peak every tournament they play!
Years ago, the Nationals were played with, at the most, the TOP 12 players in the country that were Winners of the regions they represented. The Nationals were played round robin format, all 12 players play against each, so this way all the games are tough for all the players, as in The Champion of Champion’s, the BEST player truly, is the WINNER!
IMHO, the player ranking system we have adopted in this country is a farce, other than for the top 3 or 4 players on the list it’s not about how the players competed, it’s about economics, who can afford to go to most of the tourneys and buy their way into the Finals to get more points for the rankings. What happened to the REAL meaning of competing? I guess it all boils down again in this wonderful sport,we need more “Supporters, Sponsors, and Media!
Remember all, this is just my opinion!
Bill Smith “Mr3Cushion”
P.S. I have a question of my own, The Nationals has the largest field of any USBA semi-open tournament, why isn't there a Lottery and Auction?, just askin!