While a TO can to a point do what they want... FFG's OP rules makes it quite clear what the cut should be based on how many people are at the event.

In 2013, at KublaCon, all (and by "all," I mean "all") prizes were awarded based on the cut, at which point I dropped (I was 6th) and they filled in from below.

In 2014, in Sacramento, Top Eight prizes and below (only) were awarded after the cut, at which point I dropped (I was 2nd) and they filled in from below. (Incidentally, Ron Incrediblylongnameenjensendon told me this year in Fresno that he'd been 9th in Sacramento, and got to play, and how happy he was about that. It was really nice to hear.)

In 2015, in Fresno, Top Eight prizes and below (only) were awarded after the cut, at which point the 8th-place player dropped, and I played (I was 9th). I only played because my car-mate was playing, but I'm glad I did. I lost, but it was a very fun game.

IMO, fill in the bracket from below. I just don't see any downside.

He may of had I side information too. Like maybe he knew that the guy was trying to get his friend in that was a better player and had an unexpected loss, making him next in line if he dropped.

You just never know... He shouldn't of quoted Magic as a reference as it has no baring on x-wing. I think it was a sound ruling. Especially since it was announced already.

He shouldn't of quoted Magic as a reference as it has no baring on x-wing.

To a point a tournament is a tournament, what game you play during it doesn't change the structure of the tournament itself.

While it's true you shouldn't use the mechanics from MtG or 40k to make a ruling in X-Wing, because you're comparing apples to oranges. But when talking about what to do when someone in the top 8 drops you're talking about Red Delicious vs McIntosh... Because how the tournament is run can quite often be very similar.