Standard rules aren't the answer. You can't apply a cookie cutter rule when there are clear exceptions. There are several kids that have skill levels that are on the upper end of Novice and on the extreme lower end of Open. In most cases, a 3rd year wrestler should be Novice. I also don't believe the motivation is to pick cherries. It is a result of losing repeatedly at the Open level and not being competitive. To help the kids along in their developement, wrestling in a few more Novice tournaments will provide them with the mat presence that they need.