I totally agree. 4 out of 24 bands guaranteed to advance makes Area D the HARDEST area this year. Sure Area A had 25 bands, but that meant 5 got to advance increasing their percentage of getting to SMC. And then you look at other areas in 2A that only have 5 bands competing and 3 get to move on. There will be bands left behind in Area A and D that would most likely have advanced from one of these other areas. I know there is no "fair" system, but I wish something could change with this area alignment.

I feel bad for the judges of all of these big contests this year having to make this call in only one shot and for the bands for only getting one shot at a contest of this magnitude. Good luck to all involved!!