Wow. This is socialistic brainwash at it's finest.
This garbage only changes who gets screwed in a case like this--instead of the lowest people getting the shaft, it is the lowest A players and the most middling players who get the shaft--you know, the guys who practice, but have real jobs and not as much talent as the top guys.
You aren't taking anything from the top people, really--they'll probably end up ahead in the long run (top 25%, let's say). You are subsidizing the weaker players, at the expense of the second 25%--the guys who won't cash in, but still can't play the second-chance.
This is kinda like our current income tax profile--the top end up with slightly less income, the middle pay a huge amount of their income to tax and the low are given sh#t for free.
If a person wants to increase the turnout, maybe give new players a discount. Maybe take some of that $1000 added and give a door prize. Maybe have a calcutta. Maybe make sure that the tourney is well run and fun. Hire a pro for a clinic. Pay Top Female.
DO NOT handicap and DO NOT subsidize the poor players at the expense of the middle.
dld