For a top quality player, the qualifier is a good deal. You win, you get $2K minimum. You also get a chance to play a pro and get another qualifier entry if you don't take one of the top spots. For example, if you were a top player wouldn't you think you could take one of the four spots available if you played in two qualifiers with only 6-10 people?
I do think it kind of sucks that the qualifier with only 6 people in it guarantees another shot while the guys in Vegas will be battling almost three times as many people, better players too apparently, and 11 of those guys don't get the extra qualifier try automatically.
Guess which one my buddy is playing in? That's ok though, if he plays like he's capable of, even the "legendary names" in Vegas don't have to like it.