The APA is a flawed system. In fact, all handicapping systems are flawed. That is the nature of them. The only honest system is a set of rules equal for all.
In my opinion, the APA system was started with very good intentions to be fair and honest. The problem, as we have found out, is the honesty loop hole that gets exploited by a few bad eggs. One bad apple (or egg in this case) spoils the bunch. If the APA had an honest, non biased scorekeeper at every match, it still couldn't prevent sandbagging. It would help, but not prevent it. Moving players up in the Vegas tournament is an attempt to discourage and adjust for sandbagging. With that said, it can be (but not necessarily) injust. From a marketing stand point, the APA is good. Players get better and have to branch off and form new teams or change the dynamics of the teams which promotes more competition and growth. That why the APA isn't going anywhere. They have a cash cow and do the best to make a flawed system as fair as they can.
Reminds me of an old gamblers story that goes something like this:
An old degenerate gamble is sitting at the bar and says to the bartender, "I think I'm going to head to the other end of town and play that poker tournament."
The bartender replies, "You know that game is crooked, right?"
"Yes." the old man replies, "But it is the only game in town!"
It is what it is, fair or not. If you have suggestions to make it better, I sure they will listen, but make sure you know exactly how to implement them or they will fall onto def ears. It is still a free country and you are free to start your own league if you choose.
