I think this is a good system.
However, as mentioned above by others, my ONLY concern is that teams who qualify during the season in 2005 will have trouble attending The Championship unless they do something crafty beforehand (i.e. prebooking and praying, or sending the team regardless, etc)
However it seems to me that these options really aren't practical for most teams.
Because of this, I think we'll see a great number of teams who decide "even if we qualify, we're not going to go" and plan their season accordingly.
Then... when that team ends up in the right tier (maybe in a few years), they can plan their season to include a trip south to the Georgia Dome.
A team can still have a VERY positive season without going to "the big show".
There are plenty of awesome regionals to choose from, if you can't go to The Championship, why not hit up a regional from outside your region? I've always wanted to see how those West Coast teams play, I know first hand, those Canadians have a good time, and... I've heard rumors that there may be some tough teams in the Midwest.
Plus, there are TONS of offseason competitions (and plenty of new ones popping up each year). Plenty of opportunities to inspire the kids and have a good time. Midwest teams can't hit up Atlanta? Come to RiverRage. Northeast teams can't hit up Atlanta? Go to IRI, or even Cal Games. There are tons of top notch events, that give "real" FIRST competitions a run for their money.
Sure, if a highly competitive team doesn't get to go The Championship (69, I'm looking at you) they'll wonder "what if"... but does this diminish the season at all? Heck no!
So... I guess my concern isn't really a problem at all. *shrug*
I'm glad to see most people are accepting these qualification criterion, because as I see it: this is one of the best options FIRST has right now. They need to handle the growth somehow, while still being as fair as possible. There are plenty of ways for teams to make the best of it.
I don't know what it is, but lately something has been giving me more energy, I feel like a rookie again. Maybe it is the positive "vibes" coming from the community this season but, I'm excited just at the thought of getting back to working with my kids.
I guess I'm just excited for the future of FIRST.
Things are changing. But, I think they're changing for the better.
John