can I first step in and clear up any rubbish about criticism towards the judging? sorry, the judging was spot on, on every occasion I had to use it. In all tournaments someone gets something wrong. Discovering mistakes afterwards doesn't change the past.
The event ran smoothly and was GREAT - winning was an added bonus to my experience of a successful, pleasure-filled event for me - I often said so at the time to others around me. Do remember to feedback on successful things at these events to the organisers - they want to know!
People do need to take things in and enjoy these events as they are rare. People, try to realise that nerves and anguish can be confused for dissatisfaction towards the proceedings going on around you - particularly if you're not doing well. No-one looks for mistakes and inconsistencies after the event if they are doing well in tournaments - if there are points of concern these things should really be dealt with before you leave the venue full stop.
I think now that we've established that Irwin could not have made t8 we need to move on. Apology yes, for the unintentional upset. But had Irwin found himself in a t8 position he would have had a marginal case for an invite maybe.
As he did not, it's only fair that he isn't given the invite. Sorry if it sounds mean but we can't give presidence to this course of action.
Irwin I know that you want to go and that you were upset but if the scorekeeper was proven correct the result stands and you have to move on.
Of course the biggest guarantee of making t8 is by making a great deck. channel your energies there and I am sure that you'll be picking up an invite next year, with no problem.
It's not fair on any of the judges or Graeme to drag this on any further. It's best to let the matter rest - and perhaps concentrate on maybe qualifying through the grinders (if you can get there) or SE Challenge 7.
Hope some of this makes sense as i'm still recovering.
~fK