PG, When you say events is that just the showcases?Or showcases and tourneys?I think theres a difference when discussing these isseues.PG please don't think I'm bashing or giving "PG" a hard time.One part of this discussion that I find very interesting is the comment on how the kids filled the open spots before PG.To me its not a PG issue it the service.Its just that PG is the Apple of baseball.There are a ton of things involed MLB expansion.The travel ball explosionThe fall off of American legion(at least in my area).So many,many more tourneys from my playing days.I played at the LL and pony league field that everybody wanted to play at.Moved up thru colt, palomino.ECT.Alot of the kids took the next step.Some getting/putting time in at top level.I do think your correct in stating the top kids probably might not need the showcase.But playing in the tourneys is a tremendous benefit.Which I know you already know.