Stuart, your points are very valid and we"re certainly willing as always to listen to feedback on this. Ultimately I would want to ensure we can continue to incentivise players to play APAT National events and this is one very good way to do so. We"ll await further feedback before finalising the position.
Then could it be set now for S5 that national events and points standing at the end of S4 will dictate some Team positions next year. Everyone knows the score...so you have the incentivisation (its a word!) your looking for, but without closing the door for this years selection, with it being unannouced, and only possible to include the small sample of events so far.
This would be a good option.
Should we also not consider the online rankings, pro league rankings and National League points. Not all APAT players can play a large number of the National events.
Also, given that the format of the team event includes a fair proportion of HU games should performance in that area not be considered. We now have a HU event on the APAT schedule and strong showing at that may influence a captain.
All things considered I think any proposal to remove the freedom from captains to choose who they think gives their team the best chance of winning is only taking away from the role.
Speaking as a previous non-playing captain, the freedom of choice was the most challenging part of the job but one which IMO needs to remain.