[EricH]

Originally Posted by jayjaywalker3

My question is though why doesn't the if you can afford it apply to the other 3 awards? Also I meant is buying your way in any different from being given a spot because you did'nt attend last year other than who qualifies?

It applies to all teams who qualify in one way or another.

Buying your way in goes like this (correct me if I'm wrong):
Teams that last attended last year: bottom of the list
2 years ago: next
3 years
4 years
5 years
more than 5 years/never

Go bottom to top and that's how it's opened up to non-rookies. You still have to pay to go.