With all of the attention surrounding the Roanoke regional this past weekend I figured I'd offer up my view from ending up in the 9th position as a result of the ever so popular intentional draw rule. Some of you may have seen this elsewhere but I figured I'd put out here as well.
#1) Yes it sucked not having a chance to win my way into top 8 before round six was even played, especially knowing that the outcome of my round 6 match would have most likely put me into top 8 had the ID not existed. What it boils down to is I should've won one more game. I don't fault any of the top 8 players for playing by the rules when I would have 100% done the same and not thought twice about it. When the ID scenario happened I was upset. Who wouldn't be? But I was asked a question that put everything into perspective. Would you have taken the draw given the chance? Without hesitation I said yes. And I stand by that even today. The rules are the rules whether you agree with them or not. If you register for a tournament at any level where said rules exist, then you agree to be bound by those rules whether they benefit you or not end of story.
#2) I know regardless of standings that I played top 8 level X-wing and proved to myself that I can hang with some of the best in the world. With the 3-time world champ and others who have had top finishes at higher levels in the room, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at all intimidated by their skill.
#3) I do think the rule should be tweaked (if not removed altogether) but as of now it's in the rules and I have to abide by that. The scoresheet says I got 9th but having beaten one of the top 8 earlier in the day, in my heart I know I was in the top 8. If what happened to me as a result of the ID rule facilitates change then I'm okay with that.
#4) Some would say what they did wasn't in the interest of "Fly Casual". I ask you, since when does "Fly Casual" mean not following the rules of the game governing the level of play you are participating in? It's no different than flying off the board because you made a mistake. If I don't let you take it back am I not flying casual? While "Fly Casual" is a good mindset to have it is not a rule. Intentional draw is a rule (even if it's a bad one) and until that changes we all have to live with it.
You can take this for what it's worth but I want to thank all of my opponents whether I won or lost for an amazing day of X-wing. I would also like to thank Star City Games for a well run tournament.