[TheSaxRunner05]

People just want their fair shot. Skillboosting is one thing, but hiding skill, or frankly never really trying before a tournament setting (not malicious) throws the placements out of balance, with no fault of the people doing placements (if the scores weren't there to start with). I understand the urge to call people out, I've done it myself.

The disappointing part is that if you want to win a tournament, whoring your level ranks is a bad idea, because it gives the most accurate figures for your skill. Those who play casually will be placed lower and thrive. Because it is four or five rounds before songs are difficult enough to tell this gap, it's too late. Mike's argument is based on the premise that the opponent skill boosted, but I would argue that approximately half of these cases are legitimately skill boosting and the rest never really tried that hard before.

No system is perfect, and there will always be those who stand out from their division. For the future, I would recommend having a required number of songs played to be placed, including a spread of multiple difficulties. Such a practice would prevent future disqualifications (like soulwar) and help people get placed properly before the middle of the tournament, where songs are finally hard enough for the top contestants to show their true colors.

Sure, there will still be skillboosters, and that's encouraged!!! One of the purposes of the tournament is for players to improve their abilities in a community setting. Let's just reward actual skillboosting and not those who simply don't play any songs of consequence before the tourny begins, because right now, that's the way to win. (Not counting D6)