It wasn't a rant, people should try actually organising the WM community before they tell us how to do it.

Alot is taken for granted...
WRT opponents, are you annoyed when you go to a tournament and draw your regular opponents every round? Thats what its like for us.
Like Chris said, prizes are typically a small trophy/coin. I certainly thought tournaments were supposed to consolidate gamers into one area.
Also as a complete aside, the biggest gaming pet peeve of mine is calling it "the hobby". Thats the worst marketing scheme by GW ever, I dunno why but it just rubs me the wrong way. And I usually like euphamisms?

@Grendel - I find your arguement that there was no give on our part laughable. We offered to run 2 day events for a reduced cost, and were told "we are running what we are, your choice is whether you chose to come or not".
And I will emphasise, we DID pre-rego.