L_A, I don't know if I agree with your dismissal of the value of being an Area Champion! That's like saying there's no value in striving for the title for the Champion of the East or West Coast in the US, for example.

So I actually like the idea of the "Area Champion". As you rightly say, a huuuuuge skill gap may exist between being a top player in your arcade only, to being the National Champ! Taking advantage of this massive middle ground seems like smart business move on SEGA's part, as well as being a win for players too. It's something else to strive for, and as you mention (in a not-so-positive way) , it's a goal that's probably within the reach of many more players and so the chances of them pursuing it are greater.

Although nothing's been mentioned yet, I'd really be surprised if they don't end up running a national tournament on the other side of this. I can't shake this feeling that they're up to something. They're always up to something!

And you know, it's probably only a matter of time before the likes of Namco and Capcom <span style="text-decoration: line-through">steal</span>borrow the idea!