read the OP but no replies (so apologies)
Firstly, there is a comp in coventry this season, so that covers the midlands tourney problem (if DTD in nottingham didn"t do so already). I know the organisation at Walsall last season was v poor and can understand APAT not wanting to go there again..
secondly, these European jaunts are just an add on to what we have already had in S3 (UK, English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, European and Worlds) so the UK contingent of APAT aren"t really missing out.
I personally cant make any of the Euro trips, but still think they are a great idea and a good chance for our euro friends to learn about APAT and strengthen the organisation (if only in numbers)