Oh, I don't mind being called out. I like to know when I've done something untoward. Like most people, I sometimes do things I oughtn't without realizing it, and rather someone told me than didn't. As for doing it publicly, perhaps others can learn from my mistakes.
I wasn't "Calling you out" per say, I was genuinely curious why someone who had already secured a spot would play again the next day. Also, I don't speak for anyone other than myself. As for doing in a public forum, I was looking to ask a question/discuss. That is all.
Keith, I know more people that have gone to GTs in the past year specifically to get a ticket to the Nova Invitational (and also to the ToS, but not to the same degree) than have gone to win the prize support. With the possible exception of the Boston Brawl this year, I'm unaware of any GT where the prize support is a major draw. On the flip side, surely the first place prize in the second round isn't the primary reason people play HB. If it were, no one would ever play in the finals. I'm just guessing, but I think the prime motivator for playing in HB is the same as in GTs, and that the motivation is that people enjoy playing a bunch of 40k in a day against people they don't normally play.
I never mentioned going for prize support in a GT. I said going to win or compete, and for many, it is to see people they rarely see and hang out drink/game. I certainly don't think it is ever for more army men.
Many people specifically DO NOT play in the finals, it is a trip to play as you put it... 3 games with silly rules. I know 6 people personally who only play to get the free army and do no go to the finals. That is just in New England/New York. I can't speak to the Nova invitational, but I did have a ticket to ToS and chose not to go due to the ruleset and timing. This is also the first year for the invitational no? I know Mike has been promoting the heck out of it.
Either way, your comparison isn't valid, as ToS invites and Nova invites are not the only reason to attend a GT. Ard boyz is only about Ard boyz.
Again, that doesn't mean you shouldn't go, I was just asking why and explaining my own opinion on the matter.
But I don't exactly have my finger on the pulse of the 40k community. Suppose you're right and that my analogy was deeply flawed. Still, I'm confused about your position. And I'd like to get clear on it so that I can better determine whether it is a sound one. Although, to be honest, I'm inclined to act in accordance with it on the assumption that upsetting people is worse than not. Is one of the following your position? And if not, what is your position?
1. If there is a competition that you cannot win, you ought not enter the competition because by doing so, you may skew the results.
2. If there is a competition the prize of which you cannot claim, you ought not enter the competition because by doing so, you may skew the results.
I'm genuinely curious, and not trying to put words in your mouth by suggesting either of the above. Just trying to get clear about your objection to my actions.
As to how good I am, you know as well as I do that winning a 10 person event with weird rules and an abnormal point level is a poor indicator of skill.
I can certainly agree with your last point Simon, but that isn't why I consider you a good player.
I was going to write something else entirely, but I felt it would seem more that I was blaming you or Emory for something. I am not.
It isn't against the rules for you to play as far as I know.
I will say though, it looks like the winner was/is related to Emory. I don't really know either of them, so I am not making any accusations at all towards anyone. But you(simon) and Emory were basically ringers who could win a store credit prize. You were both also in a position to help decide the winner if you both chose to. (NOT saying that you did, merely that it was possible, I don't even know if you two know each other).
Eliminating that possibility is a good thing, IMHO.
Please take this post as a discussion rather than something "blaming" people for a problem or accusing anyone of anything, as that is how it is intended.
GL in the Semis