I wish it was more this way in our area. Many players won't play if such and such player is in the field. I'm old school and love it when the field is strong because that's how you improve. It's about instant gratification to many but it is also a reason their games stay stagnant.
It blows my mind. Handicapped tournaments both me too. The reality is that if you want to win and get better at pool, you have to lose a whole lot first. Toughest game on the planet. I'd probably shoot in the low 80s playing golf if I spent as much time on the course as I have the table.
One of my best friends is a pro and he never misses, but I'd much rather play him than some guy who is one or two balls better than me.