I agree, Tom. The Limited entry was a good and necessary tool implemented for clubs to use. That we have so many MH entries is also a good sign for HT. However, we are dealing with the fallout now. There are various viable solutions to help ensure everyone has a fair shot at getting entered, which to me, includes a publicized opening day/time, possibly limited entries per actual handler for the first 1-2 days, so many allotted spots for workers at a club's discretion, etc etc. Some of which could be voluntarily used by a club choosing the Limited Entry option, or not, but at least have some tools that a club can use, if they choose, to mitigate some of these issues. Not every club minds having a huge pro presence, for example, so it should be up to the clubs, not a mandatory sweeping set of rules that will again impact many maybe in the wrong way. More rules mean more policing and more complications, which also adds a burden to the clubs.
Bottom line, a fair shake at entering for everyone would be nice, and I feel that a publicly known date/time of opening, and maybe how entries are taken en masse, or not, would go a ways towards that, without a club having to take on the job of counting entries per handler, or which worker showed up to actually work and use their space, or workers fighting over the spots available and the favoritism, or impression thereof, that could ensue.
EE is working on the late scratch issue from the sounds of it, which also helps, especially the clubs not losing out on spaces that could have filled on closing day. Every club expects some scratches after the close, that's part of the budgeted expenses and why there is a fee for non-health related scratches, to at least cover the birds ordered, etc. I absolutely do not expect a club to refund an entry fee otherwise. I'd rather the clubs remain solvent and willing to put on tests.