...the problem with your argument is that the "Judges Preference" aspect has only been in effect a couple of years. When they went to 1A Region to SMC, every 1A band getting a 1 advanced...period.

How many bands appeared at 1A prelims? 18? No more than 20; which is your average small school area lineup.

So, no, going back to all 1st Division 1A schools advancing isn't going to break the system.