As an afterthought, given that BSQ tourneys now support antes, we could have an identical structure as the live nationals with the level lengths being the online equivalent to 45 minutes live!
This.
The large starting stack and decent 12-minute levels means that the tournament lasts longer, and you don"t have to get involved too early (compared to the usual tournaments).
BUT, there comes a point where you jump from an average stack with 30-odd BBs or so, and then one fold later after a bet, and a blind level increase and you"re down to 10BBs and in push-or-fold mode. This also means that the skill element is reduced later in the tournament (although of course there is a skill to playing correctly in these situations).
Antes reduce the severity of the jump in blinds. It encourages more play (as there"s more in the middle worth stealing, but you can still afford to make "normal" bets and fold if necessary).
This was an issue to a degree in the live Nationals, and the introduction of antes means that the structure is now almost perfect. As BlueSQ can now use antes, it would seem a shame not to have them for the online nationals.
All in my opinion of course.