The history of the APAT competitions has proved that demand will always outstrip supply. Cardrooms are simply not big enough, and time is valuable. This is an amatuer association, which means we all have jobs which provide our main income, and holidays to play poker can be scarce.
We have had a competition with a day 1a and 1b, and that was essentially because it was a bank holiday weekend. Most people work Monday to Friday and would have to take a day or 2 off, to allow for travelling, and 3 days can be a long time away from the family, not just for the runners but for the organisers as well.
Since the very first tournament in Birmingham I think each and every member has had the dissapointment of missing out on an event. But we just try harder, and erm, pray....
I am not sure if there are any future plans for day 1a and 1b again, only Des can answer that question.