I think that there are two main trains of thought with this discussion board and it becomes apparent that there is no perfect solution to please everyone in the qualification system to make it to state and also the location/atmosphere of the championship. I think that I am uniquely qualified as I have experienced it as a parent of both a 2007 & 2008 State Qualifier in both KS & MO. I much prefer the qualification system of KS over that of MO any day. My reasoning is that wrestling's successful achievement is for the wrestler and his/her fond memories that are taken from his/her high school career. The majority of these kids will never wrestle beyond high school. If you don't believe me then go to the NCAA website and pull up the numbers and the odds. Their last memories may end at a gym in their region or possibly at state. All of us parents would prefer the latter. When you have experienced the stress, and I don't use that term lightly, of watching your child who has been a multi-time KS kids state qualifier and one-time state placer struggle for four years to make it out of a talent rich district and only qualify for MO state twice. Then you will realize that pushing for combining this region with that one, etc. doesn't end in a better outcome. The best six will always win and you will continue to give that state championship experience to a few less deserving, but they will also be able to look back fondly and say they've been there. And is that really so horrible? So what if a few think that it makes it less prestigious, I know for a fact that there were MO qualifiers that made it also to state with losing records. Don't you think that the Class 2 western district of MO which includes( Oak Grove, Platte County, etc.) is alot harder than the eastern side of MO where it may be easier to qualify out of? I guarantee that they get weeded out the same way in either state, in the first rounds. The numbers are more favorable in placing at Districts in KS and maybe even slightly more favorable in the bigger schools. However, it certainly can be said that there is an advantage to going to a smaller KS school where there is less competition for a varsity spot and then you are able to compete at the varsity level at an earlier and longer time frame than at a 5A school that has 50+ wrestlers competing for 14 Varsity spots. Some big school's JV is equally competitive as some smaller school's Varsity roster. Some smaller communities treat their wrestlers like celebrities, not so in urban areas where other sports compete for very limited media. Is there really an advantage to being 25-5 vs. 35-10, who's your competition, where do you compete? As a wrestler isn't it all about mat time and the overall wrestling experience because four years goes by so fast. These questions arise in every state, not just KS.
As for the atmosphere, you can't beat the excitement of a MO type state championship over the divisive, scattered KS championships. However, the event is longer at Mizzou, three days rather than the two and is slightly costlier. KS is missing the boat on this one, however, KS is a larger geographic state and there is more resentment between the regions. You know the biases east vs. west, urban KC vs Wichita area, SW vs. SE, etc. There is no one place that would please everyone, period.
In conclusion, I have heard complaints from both sides of the state line for many years and hear finger pointing as to what's easier in my own house frequently. I think the qualification system is flawed, but reasonable in KS, and my preference. No sooner would you change it and a whole new set of complaints would flair. And as a spectator or possibly a college coach MO is right on with this one.