I think the States dates were changed to take away the opportunity for some players to have the opp to play in 4, and most players only have the opp to play in 2.
Regionals, have been actually turned into Regionals, and not Regionals plus travellers and Regionals plus travellers.
I give kudos to PUI for the decision on Regionals. It forces Regions to actually depend on players from their region, and not depend on travelling players to support their numbers.
It also will maximize the number of individuals who win. No longer will individuals have the opportunity to smack 2 Regionals. PUI is best served with the most number of different players winning prizes. I say that being the parent of a kid who won 2 Regionals last year.
The 2 States dates will actually spread the wealth as well. More different kids winning trophies and prizes is ALWAYS a good thing for the game as a whole.
Talk to you all soon!
Vince