So you can take a cheap shot at Manas' visa issues stating he should "know" how to get a visa, but I can't take a cheap shot? That's a little unfair. You know it's not that simple.
Manas did better than any natural born American players at the PLP, because guess what, they weren't invited, because guess what, they currently suck compared to the rest of the world. This is a fact, not a cheap shot.
Team USA has zero visa issues, why is Gorst the only one at the European Open? Because he knows he's not dead money. So yes, I will criticize American pool.
Fair enough. I don't disagree with your assessment, but it sure seems that the ones with the visa issues always seem to be Filipinos.
I want the top Asians in every major field, and I could care less if it compromises the chances of the American born players who, as a group, have achieved little in recent times. The majors should be the best possible gathering ground for the world's most elite cueists and let the best man win. I am not on board with your suggestion that others should be happy about the absence of far too many of the world's most elite cueists. I feel the opposite. Let every single one of them play in the top events!
I've already commented that I find the American absenteeism in this event to be embarrassing and patently unfair to Matchroom Pool, which continues to increase its investment in pro pool in America. As I've said, Matchroom deserves better!
I think we are, for the most part, on the same page here, but have packaged our views differently. I am as alarmed about the decline in American pool as you are.
