My apologies Jose, I only intended the first paragraph as a response to yourself, but even you must admit that your posts have been nothing but consistent and unwavering in your support and promotion of the PA as the Bestest Event in the UK (although have you or any of it's proponents played series such as the M25, Dartford 7's, Campaign Cup, PGI Sevens etc). And in the words of Hatchet Harry "don't play the innocent with me", as one of the "Most Influential People in UK Paintball" (as determined by the tourney organisers themselves I understand), you don't at least have the organisers ear? In some instances the situation reminds me of the "Emperors New Suit", when you only listen to what you want to hear, don't be surprised that when you go to the masses, the response may not be what you expect.
I don't have an Axe to Grind with the PA (if that's what your insinuating), if I did I wouldn't have spent 2 days getting there and playing it. After taking 4 hours to get home and missing seeing the girlfriend (she still has the hump), I think my criticism was quite constructive. I tried to explain exactly why I felt certain issues needed improvement (especially as I have had some benchmark comparison), especially in an incident that could potentially involve player safety (by queer twist of fate it appeared to me who actually make the mistake). I could have given a run down of individual issues and reffing mistakes (these do happen, and ref's shouldn't be hung drawn and quartered for it) etc, however this would have detracted from the effort of those involved especially the refs who were there. I can only hope that the money saved from not paying the missing refs is shared amongst those on field who picked up the burden, I'd imagine an extra 10 or 20 quid in their backburners would have been gratefully received.
I do have a problem when constructive criticism is either ignored or replied to in a contemptible and facetious manner. Further compounded when some people seem to think this is clever (sarcasm, generally is clever, being facetious is not, a little note for those in doubt). The response in my mind showed either a head in the sand attitude or a contempt for the paying customer (because a promoter and his Ultimate coming up with a response of "Ample", ain't cutting the mustard). Playing the Martyrdom card, benefits no-one least of you or the players in the long run. The ability to be self critical and take criticism, will raise your profile in many peoples eyes.
In summary I've got zero sour grapes against the tournament, it was a well executed domestic event, some issues undoubtedly but close in my mind to last seasons M25 Cobham leg (and if you think the PA is taking stick, look at the aftermath of that event). Take a peek in the MLT Forum and look at the bashing the Millennium series or Steve Morris gets, you think the PA gets it hard? This is a discussion forum, and any attempt I see at Sugar-coating, whitewashing or deflecting blame is going to get commented on. Forcing tournament promoters to take on board the needs and wishes of the paying customer is key to progression of the support. With the absence of any real body that acts in the players interests, we could eventually end up voting with our wallets. No axe to grind with the organisers, simple as that.
That should make my position crystal.