I think its an unfair comment to presume that APAT's "biggest" or most regular players are automatically exempt from having to book themselves a seat. This is simply not true. Every single player on the list of direct buy-ins got in the same way you attempted to. Maybe next time you"ll get in and others on that list won"t. There is no favourism though, never has and never will. I understand your frustration though at not getting a seat, but I assure you that it is fair and everyone is having to do the same thing in the clickfest to buy their seat.
As for the two day 1s, I think it would work for the big events, like it did at the European event I played in season 1 at Luton, but I"m not so sure for every single national.
Anyway, unlucky on not getting in, I understand it"s frustrating, but keep at it and keep trying, you"ll get your seat at one of these!