I was going through the last 2-3 pages of this thread and sensed some negative vibes among members. It looks like we have lost the main purpose of these tournaments - 'fun', right? Compare the posts from these 8 pages with 40 from first series and you will find how charismatic everyone was sounding in previous series. But here we are discussing about the late registration problem, how some members are just playing to make to championship, how some members knowingly sit out, how some members play defensively to make point and what not! It seems like the purpose has been shift from 'fun' to 'money' and that's why I think we are seeing the drop of 30-40% participants.
Well, I can tell personally for myself that I don't care about any of the above. For me member may come at the first minute or the last, use whatever strategy he can, I have paid over 0.01 BTC to play these series so far just because I enjoy playing and keep on doing so until I am enjoying. So please everybody let's keep these issues aside and let's not think too much and play with peaceful mind.
Quoting this heartwarming post for others who missed it to read.
Indeed let's keep it friendly and relaxed, guys, as it was in the very beginning.
There are 110k active profiles on bitcointalk. I refuse to believe that we can't get 110 players for our series!
Let's discuss ideas on how to get more participants. (Words from those who are willing to participate, but can't do it for some reasons are especially welcome).
See you at the tables today! GL to all!