Frank,
Thank you for all you have done to help the BCC survive. I believe the BCC would have better turn outs if the payout would be spread out a little better. A couple years ago Bill and I got 3rd or 4th at a tournament and received a bottle of fish formula...? I know it looks good to show first place getting a big pay check, but the guys who finish 4th, 5th, and 6th probably deserve a little too...(That keeps them coming back). I look at the OGF tournaments that have 30-50 teams every year both spring and fall because they payout almost 10 places or more. They also usually provide extras for the fisherman to enjoy their experience of the tournament (Fish Fry, Doughnuts/Coffee, etc.)
To me the decision comes on if you want to have a competitive tournament trail only focused on the Top 3 winners and payouts or a tournament trail more about ALL the fisherman and how everyone can enjoy fishing crappie tournaments and feeling they belong to the club/trail.
Just my two cents and I hope the BCC can start to grow back into what it once was.