Someone recently raised the question on Victory Briefs asking why people waste their money on the CFL Grand National. I kind of agree. Aside from the fact that all trips are expensive, it doesn't seem like CFL really brings anything to the table.

Most of the good debaters don't go. It includes fewer districts than the NFL (so it can't say "we are the national championship due to our representation of debate on the national level"). Worst of all the judging always sucks.

What motivates debaters to attend this tournament in light of these recurring issues?

I would guess one's coach could convince one to go. There is a lot of hype about nationals too, but the judging still apparently sucks.

Judging at Nats definitely didn't suck this year. With the exception of I'd say one judge, all of my judges flowed and made logical decisions. There weren't any mommy/daddy "you had a nice tie" RFDs, and judging was even better in out rounds.