As a one-time worlds player, the new requirement is honestly discouraging. While I've wanted to try competing seriously again some year, Pokemon is making the grind much more time and money-draining. I would understand them wanting to make worlds more exclusive, but that's what day 2 is for. If anything, it feels like a continued decrease in event size, after the switch from worlds with 800 person grinders and lounge rooms with beanbags to worlds with "Open" tournaments.