I agree with you on the idea that the VIP package might not be something big. It might have some booster packs, promos, or even they might get a bye in the State championships.
This is so true. PUI is working hard and were are getting more prize support from them then WOTC has done in a long time. Also PUI is putting together a lot more sponcered tournaments then WOTC did. Last year since PUI took over there have been three major tournaments: Ruby & Sapphire, Sandstorm, and Dragon Prerelease. This year so far there are three that we know of: City in Feb, Prerelease in March, and State in April and that is jus the first couple of months. Not all areas got the first couple tournaments, but the tounament numbers have been increasing. Im sure with the City Chapionships we should see a ton of them around the US. I am hoping to see at least three here in Utah.