Qualifying can be easy or hard depending on your region. The dead money we sent from here were low 600 fargo players. It's a tough row to hoe if you don't live in the area of the tournament due to expenses. Have to really be committed to travel across the country to play with no prize money.
The US Amateur has it's drawbacks, especially for those that have to travel. But it still draws top of the line talent from all over the USA and Canada.