I went to the Roanoke tourny with my brother. We aren't often able to attend big tourneys and it was kind of a special event for both of us, as we're both more towards the casual side and ultimately neither of us is that great (I finished #35 and he was mid 20's I think). I've read some of the fallout from the Top 8 and wanted to share a couple of thoughts. Rather anyone cares or not, well, flame away if you like or "like" if you like. ;-)
With all the negativity I feel it's important to point out just how many good people are playing the game. I played 6 people (5 of whom I'd never met before) and my brother played another 6, and we both agreed everyone was a good sport and we'd say was a good ambassador for the game. Don't let your perceptions of the actions of a few taint the fact that the vast majority of X-Wing players are really good people and make the game extremely fun. Even going 2-4 on the day (which I was disappointed and a bit ashamed of), I had a great time and made friends I'll hopefully see in the Raleigh regionals.
Second, I've seen some blame the TO/the store for the Top 8 but I don't think that's fair. The tournament was run very well and the TO seemed to do a great job all day long. Granted I wasn't close to the top 8 when the ID's were discussed so I don't know how those conversations went, but let's not tarnish names that don't deserve to be tarnished. It was a well run tournament and the store even threw in door prizes (hey, at least I won a free Ghost because I sure didn't win much else that day!).
Third, I've seen some people bash Paul Heaver and/or Nova Squadron and others in the Top 8 for their decisions. Arguments can be made all day about rather it's right or wrong, but even if we want to say it is wrong, let's not judge people on one decision. Every single person here has made mistakes in life (again, not saying their ID was wrong, that's up for debate), and no one wants to be judged on one moment in their life. I'll bet that if you make a mistake you want to be judged for your intentions instead of your actions. Afford other people the same opportunity. Perhaps one or more of the top 8 is a real douchebag. Is that your job to point out? All the negativity hurts the game we enjoy. Let's discuss rule changes and solutions instead of throwing mud.
Fourth, I don't know Paul Heaver but I saw him before the tourny, and as with many wide-eyed newer players, I went and introduced myself to the three time world champ. He was courteous, smiled, shook my hand, and even explained what list he was running that day and what his strategy with it was. Honestly I was a bit shocked. He didn't have to go so far to be "polite", he could have just shook my hand and wished me luck, but he went above and beyond. Perhaps Paul is the jerk some of you view him as, but I work in law enforcement and run across many people everyday who are real jerks so I have learned to evaluate people pretty quick. Paul was genuine, so don't judge him for some comments he made when so many lashed out at him and others (mainly him, because he's the most well known). If you back a dog into a corner, even one that is usually friendly, he's going to bite.
TLDR: There are many great people playing the game. Stop throwing mud, give people the benefit of the doubt, and remember that even good people (like you) have made mistakes and shouldn't be judged on a one time event or a forums post. Let's get back to X-Wing fun and address the rule in question in positives ways.
