I do agree every Tournament and League should declare their "category" for those that wish to travel to them, moreso the Tourneys, than the Leagues. But, when it comes to new people in the hobby, I think Step 1 should ALWAYS be to direct them to their local League, if there is one.

Being overwhelmed by reading about all of the differences i.e. weight, figures, boards, etc. really shouldn't be a newb's only 1st step. If that's all they do and don't even bother meeting the fellas, then IMHO I think they are more likely to find another hobby!!! That's just me.

As a new person in the hobby back in '90-something, it really didn't matter that L.A., Dallas and Detroit boiled their bases if the league in Chicago/Gary didn't. All the different ways that I read about didn't matter as much as the way Edgar and Frank played: with the Strategy Divider. That's the way I had to play if I wanted to play live people. That or drive to Detroit or Columbus or KC.