Chris- in regards to this statement....
2- The teams have to live up to the league's requirements, that's part of the franchisee's contract. In that sense, they HAVE bought the teams - a McD's franchise owner does not get to also own a burger king.
Number 1, I don't know for sure if you are correct in that assumption, and number 2, even if it is so, it is not to say that the the employees of the franchise owner cannot eat anywhere they want to.
As burried in paintball as I have found myself, will I spend my alloted paintball funds paying to watch X-Ball, nope, so I don't know how many people who are not "into" it will pay.
For the last almost 20 years I have been involved in youth sports and I was hoping this split would be similar to Little League vs Pony baseball. Painful for the first year or 2, but in the long run better for everyone. At different levels and for different players, one is better than the other (ie, if you are a pitcher, the rules in Pony are more like "real" baseball, and it is difficult enough for a kid to get the ball over the plate, without worrying about runners stealing, hence Little League is a better choice until they develop). There is no saying you must play this league, it is the players choice, as it should be in paintball.
Sadly, I am with those of you on this board who believe this is done in spite. From a sponsors point of view, I would have to think the more exposure from all events, the better.
Fortunately, we are a West Coast team, with sponsors who are not making us choose. We will play the first 4 events, and then decide who is giving us the best "product" for our dollars. In the meantime, our sponsors will benefit from having our team all all 4 events, instead of only 2.
I promise to take a trip down to Huntington next week and let you all know how it's looking!