And finally @B.B.King: I play the game since season 11 and I don't remember not seeing any "*" in the standings. You play the game longer than I do - but for me the * have always been a reality. So why should I assume that this is not the case in the U21?
You joined in S11 so You were able to notice Malta position in this table (I metioned it earlier):
(http://www.buzzerbeater.com/world/standings.aspx?teamid=1...)
It was reality in Consolation Tournament in S17. It was U21 competition, You were even U21 Manager at those moment.
I never was U21 Manager, however I think that it is always good idea for U21 (and NT as well) Manager to look at other competitions, there is always chance to see something interesting or to find and to learn something important.
And yes, I agree it's loophole, bad loophole. However this loophole is rule and general rule for me is "rules can't be changed during competitions".
And there we disagree. I do not see why this is a rule as it is not stated anywhere in the rules other than the points I mentioned earlier. And if this game is based on rules that everyone should know about, them please discard the whole game manual. And make it even more "easy" for newcomers to understand the game and stick with it. Bravo. Good idea. (Sorry for the sarcastic last two sentences...)
Du hast nicht genug Geld, um dieses Gebot abzugeben!