Thanks for the article! I certified & hit L2 during the launch of the PPTQ system, so can understand some of the frustrations. I'm pretty interested in the PPTQ system from a bigger-picture point of view, and have quick comments on your sections:

1) Competitive REL shouldn't be a requirement to be a judge. That's not what a L1 certification is for. L1 is a credential that you're able to handle yourself for most magic tournaments--regular REL. FNM, prereleases, etc is the majority of magic played at stores by a lot. If you want to be a competitive specialist, L2 is a better benchmark--let it be known, but expect to have to work & study yourself.

2) This is already happening, and we can be our own advocates. L2s can remind TOs when they're staffed that this is a good chance to train their local judges. L1s can ask to be a part of these events. Over-staffing isn't productive, but there's an opportunity for a lot of one-on-one time at these events. That said, I'm personally a big advocate for everyone on staff getting fairly compensated, and some TOs can't take on that additional cost. Network & get involved with the stores that need it. (Easy tip--if you get people to show up to an LGS's PPTQ, they'll need it)

3) If you're a regular at a 'bad' LGS, it's hard to know there's a better standard for events--it's easy to think long turnaround times or other issues are 'normal.' Or, if players' expectations aren't met, they just don't go back to that store, and have no real reason to invest in making things better.

This is actually the hidden gem of the PPTQ system--it drives experienced judges to work with TOs that would never have booked them otherwise. I've yet to run into a TO that doesn't want their events to be good, but they may be more concerned with running their core business than refining their tournament operations, and run on a 'if it's not broke, don't fix it' mentality. Having outside experienced perspective can help show TOs some tricks for running things more efficiently.