Well I"ve started a 888 poker account & I will be buying a seat but I know these events are very popular so in the event I don"t get my seat online I"ll be showing up at the venue to buy in direct if this is allowed ??
Last season APAT ran an alternates list at each venue, so you can turn up on the day and have your fingers crossed.
You also have the sats to the live events and the seat exchange before, what i would deem a last resort, turning up at the venue in hope.