Prof. Chris and others: I think what Dave is saying, and what POP likes, is to recognize that not everyone around the USA can make it to Nats. Also, there are good players scattered throughout the USA and to make them all gather in one place to compete for 1 trip (ie Regionals) will still make it difficult to win that trip. I believe POP/PUI WANTS to see players from every state that has active leagues, etc at Worlds each year. That is why they came up w/ Gyms, which is sorta like a mini states. Reward those local players with 1 chance to make it to Worlds, to try and be the best (I think I heard that somewhere before, the orig. Pokemon theme song...Ash..oh well) These are my thoughts. Yes, I agree that winning a Regional is MUCH tougher than winning a Gym and could easily be worthy of a Worlds invite. But, this is POP/PUI's puppy and we play by their rules.
Keith
Keith