John:

I set a buffer for all events. 32 bots can compete. Feathers is the hottest class, os it has the biggest buffer - 6.

In short, teh buffer is there for foreign contestants (read: you guys). Once the buffered alottment is full (26), I put bots on the reserve list. If there are 6 reserves, eveyone gets in. If there are 8, I pick 6. Country of origin and compeitiveness of robot are the only two factors there. So if a US builder with a crappy bot is on the reserve list, hes probably gonna save some money on airfair, while a UK builder with a lethal bot is gonna need a visa.

Get it?

Of course, anyone can circumvent my power-mad machinations by registering early.