OnTheFly21 wrote:
Well I know they aren't going to do that but how many others is going to get special treatment? The last time I checked we all had to sit at a computer and register at the allotted time for races we hope to get a spot. The races are already crowded to begin with. Oh well, I guess its another person to swim over! just kidding
Not everyone has to sit at a computer. Other ways to get in to the race include lottery, military, major sponsor, or be a celebrity / VIP / person-of-interest. With the lottery, you pay your money and take your chances. With the others, you need to get high enough on the appropriate list to be told "hey, we have a spot open at the race - interested?" None of these 'take away' any of the slots that are available at regular qualifying races. They've been around for years. There were even some slots freed up on the pier this year - fewer pros because of the new points system.
As many others have stated, this World Championship is different because it is being run by a for-profit corporation. Their game, their races, their rules. Everyone has a choice whether to play or not.