I know you're all breaking down the SFV clip. I've yet to go into it (and I'm sure the conversation will carry over into next weeks thread), but I'll catch up soon enough.
That said, will comment on some stuff I saw in the Capcom Cup/$500K threads:
The thirst will be real at all the CPT events this year. I expect to see more International players to attend US events.
I didn't think of the impact on the tour events, but it's going to be palpable. They should bring on Sprite as a sponsor for how thirsty people are going to be. It's going to be fantastic to watch.
You want a shot at the Cup at the end of the year? Winning Evo is going to give you a guaranteed spot and more than likely, top seeding.
Every event that offers points is going to be super-relevant.
No, you don't only pay top 3- that leads to tons of collusion.
At those prize levels, it's a losing proposition to collude unless those that you're colluding with understand the tax implications and are willing to partake; if you split it evenly before taxes, then the person winning may get in a hole depending on the split.
It's not impossible, but I'd be a lot less likely to collude; even in ranking events, especially since I'd expect Capcom to be deadly f'n serious about making sure no one does this on any level of the Tour given the attention that the Sony partnership is bringing to the table.