hilltopgo wrote:I now understand the objection to the current system. I guess we don't have a similar problem in the U.S. because we don't have an annual "American Champion" (as far as I'm aware). If you were to ask me, "Who was the U.S. Go Champion in 2008?" I'd probably give you a blank stare, then look up which American had the best result in the U.S. Open that year, or look up who we sent to the WAGC.
The North American Masters Tournament is designed to produce the strongest resident (with some requirements attached I disagree with) and the US Open produces the strongest player who comes.