I agree with you Brian, and the Pro series will be a raging success in the same way that all that APAT does is successful. However, I think it"s worth remembering that APAT's grass roots were about giving a poker starting ground to lesser experienced players, and introducing people to deepstack slow clock "proper" poker for an affordable price.
By stepping up, I have to question whether that is still the ethos of APAT. As others have posted, there are other UK tours out there that provide proper poker for buy ins around £250 - why does APAT need to move into that field?
Ultimately, I have complete faith in APAT, and in Des and Rich"s vision for how this will turn out. I just hope though that the proving ground that many people have cut their teeth on is not removed or reduced. APAT provides something that is not available anywhere else in Europe (the World?), and I do wonder if something that isn"t broke should be fixed.
If the £250 events detract from the £75 tour, and decrease the available number of seats that are always in high demand, it wil be a shame if it potential new players find they are unable to play.
It"s all good though. I know APAT will do the right thing and continue to grow and be highly successful.