Would there more interest if it was thrown open (vs invitational). I understand the original invitational idea & thought it was a great idea. However if a number of qualifiers are not available then perhaps open it up for others.
Qualifiers should get top blast off spots & others fill in after that. Hell I am o.k. if qualifiers got a 15min head start & the rest of us sluggs went next.
But not much time remaining for people to make commitments.