Maybe the rules have changed since I posed the question in 2007. If they have, again, I am the idiot for not keeping up. If they have not, then what I am understanding is that a 5th place wrestler at a District tournament can be an alternate at State, while a 5th place wrestler at another District can't wrestle at State when there is a bye in the bracket due to a third District only fielding three wrestlers. If that is the case, I do not concur with the ruling.