I can see both sides to the weight issue for sure.

On one hand, the point is well made that the rules are there, and should be followed. But in that case, ALL rules should be followed or you're setting yourself up for issues when someone asks why one rule is followed while another is not.

The reality is there is no benefit to 'cheating' the weight limit. An overweight airplane will not fly better under any circumstances. In some ways, the weight issue is unenforceable as well unless you weigh every airplane prior to fueling, or immediately after flight allowing the glow pilot to de-fuel as necessary. Weighing aircraft at any other time results in a window where the airplane can be changed to whatever the normal flight configuration is for it after passing the specified weight measurement.

As for the logistical decisions.. I don't really see this as an issue. Registration deadlines exist in all facets of life. I don't see anything wrong with Arch wanting to have a clear picture of Nats attendees with enough lead-time to get all scheduling wrapped up and reviewed as early as possible. There PROBABLY aren't many people that 2 weeks out are suddenly going to decide to attend the Nats. So the argument that the cutoff time for registration is harsh is a bit unfair. Arch is in a no-win situation here I think for some people. Close off registration too soon, and people get upset. Let registration go too long, and you run the risk of flightline scheduling being a problem, and worse, potentially leaves pilots with a bad experience at the Nats, possibly reducing their chances of returning.

As for announcing finalists.. I agree this should be done as quickly as possible once the results are known so pilots have as much time as possible to prepare. The flip-side of the coin of course, is that no matter how much time is given, it's the same for all pilots and therefore is in fact, fair to all pilots. The REALITY of this is.. if you're in the finals in FAI, you're of sufficient talent to handle the unknown regardless of how much time you're given.