[Billfred]

1618 is in a bit of a similar boat here. We've always been a one-regional team (historically Palmetto, but we did Chesapeake this year for better timing at incrementally-higher cost). From Columbia, South Carolina, any other competition (in-season or not) involves overnight travel. In our judgment, we can gain more for thousands of dollars less from a regional and a fall off-season event than two regionals. Competing in the fall allows us to get the hooks in with our new kids; while it might not be to the same degree as a regional or the Championship, it may just be enough to make sure they're not drawn away in build season.

Of course, as always, I'd direct a team to figure out how they can best achieve their goals; if they're doing them, I can't complain.