I think you are underestimating the number of players that play in multiple states in tight crowded areas, like the Northeast. I can only speak for the NJ/NY/DE area but I know there is quite a bit of overlap because you can get to tournaments in any state within a few hours. NJ and DE also hold events that in the fourth quarter that will have a large impact on the SCS standings, simply because there are not many regular events held throughout the year. It would be impossible for most of those players to declare with any certainty where they are going to play by Nov. 1.

You had mentioned earlier that you thought less than 20 people would be affected, but those 3 states alone produced 10 people, and that is only 3 states out of 50. The point I was trying to make is that I think you will find this would affect more players than you think. I am sure you would find similar situations across the Northeast. I bet Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut probably share many players as well.

And @gravitar made a good point about venue selection. For a state like NY, venue selection could be the determining factor as to whether players will play in NY or another state. Last year, the venue was in Upstate NY, so many NYC-area players came down to NJ to play as it was closer to them. When it is held in NYC, I believe many Upstate NY players choose to play in another state. Venues may not be finalized by Nov. 1 so players may not have all the information that they need to make a selection.