Hi @aggroed,

I see the point of view from both sides. Having entered the paid diamond tournament over the weekend, I did appreciate not having to spend 2 hours playing in a tournament. I also see the frustration expressed by others because time is a valuable resource and should be considered for all players, irregardless of cardholder classification. The entry fee was selected as the first choice as the barrier for entry. Understandably; decision made and done for the first two weeks of tournaments.

The plan is to then have Dark Energy Crystals as the future entry fee. Could @yabapmatt add ELO ranking as another barrier of entry? A user could only enter a tournament if their current season ranking is equal to or above the tournament league; i.e., only players having reached gold ranking and above could enter the gold tournaments, diamond ranking and above could enter the diamond tourneys. I guess it would be likened to unlocking tournaments as you reach a higher ranking in the season game.

Benefits:

1. Players are encouraged to level up and play in the season game.

2. Players in the bronze league would not be qualified to join gold or diamond tourneys; no one's time is wasted.

3. On the other hand, we are not limiting players from playing in lower level leagues, if they choose to do so. If they have the time or inclination to play in a bronze league (and are in gold or diamond/champion ranking), then so be it.

I see @davemccoy and @rentmoney's perspective on the matter as well because they both have advocated this game from the get-go. They held contests and encouraged others to play because they thought these players would have the opportunity to enter free tournaments down the road. Even I was under the impression that all Steem Monsters tournaments would be free to play. The players they are fighting for are the redfishes and minnows in this community. Yes, they are passionate about the subject but that is because they care about the community and game.

Here is a snapshot of one players SM post earning. Players like @cicisaja have spent hours playing and leveling up their cards to reach gold ranking. They should be able to freely enter all novice to gold-level tournaments without having to use their post earning to pay an entry fee. (I hope you don't mind my using one of your posts as an example @cicisaja -- I haven't been posting so I couldn't use my own.)

I admire you three very much @aggroed, @davemccoy and @yabapmatt. The three of you have been strong advocates of this community, from the smallest fishes to the whales. Let's somehow keep this momentum going with auto-tournaments and not lose the faith of the community.