I think you are right that things are going to be close during the first year, especially in the Novice division.
The issue of travelling is one I think that teams need to look at closely. One of the main objectives of the UKPL is to encourage teams towards travelling that little bit further to play top-quality events. Imagine the amount of travelling you would have to do if you wanted to compete in the NPPL - the UK is a relatively small place and travelling does not have to add that much cost to a tournament. Especially as each UKPL feeder should be offering cheap camping, so hotels and travel lodges don't eat into your team's budget.
Personally, living in the South West and not being able to play in the SWPL (because I organise it), I find travelling to tournaments such as the M25, Euro Indoor, Diablo Cup, MM and the Millenniums part of the attraction of playing paintball. I love getting away for the weekend, even though I often have to do this on a budget (paintball has slowly taken over my life, leaving no room for a full-time job). I think teams need to think about the rewards they get out of travelling to the occasional major event rather than sticking to their own back yard all of the time.
As for the close dates this season, I agree there. Unfortunately, it couldn't be avoided this year, but will improve as time goes on. Using your model of performing well at three events to qualify, who's planning to do this and who will be at that exclusive UKPL National Final?
