I don't think calling people whiners is really helping the discussion at all. I'm willing to bet that any points that are being made would hold a lot more weight if they were done in a more respectful manner. That's not pointing out any one person, rather most of the posters in this thread as a whole. =\
As far as the topic at hand goes...it's a give and take. I know of some games that have better prize support than Pokemon and don't charge fees, and I also know of some that do charge fees and have fewer prizes. It's a discussion that could go on all day about whether a certain group is willing to pay for better prizes, or if the U.S. or any other country should have more invites, etc., etc.
I think the only definitive answer anyone can give is: If you don't want to play in a tournament, no one is making you. Pokemon is something that you are choosing to play, whether as a hobby or something more, it's your choice overall, and no one is making you do anything. If you don't like the tournament structure or the prize support, then don't play in this tournaments.
Of course, that's not meant to hinder any rational discussion. You as players have the right to let your voices be heard.
As far as the topic at hand goes...it's a give and take. I know of some games that have better prize support than Pokemon and don't charge fees, and I also know of some that do charge fees and have fewer prizes. It's a discussion that could go on all day about whether a certain group is willing to pay for better prizes, or if the U.S. or any other country should have more invites, etc., etc.
I think the only definitive answer anyone can give is: If you don't want to play in a tournament, no one is making you. Pokemon is something that you are choosing to play, whether as a hobby or something more, it's your choice overall, and no one is making you do anything. If you don't like the tournament structure or the prize support, then don't play in this tournaments.
Of course, that's not meant to hinder any rational discussion. You as players have the right to let your voices be heard.