At first glance, I like the idea.  My wife would love to participate in both the Women's Open and Queens, but as a teacher, can't always make the Queens. 

But I am more worried about the limiting effect this may have for those who do want to participate.  I don't know the numbers, but have these tournaments not sold out recently?  If so, should USBC look to increase participation also?

I did read the article but still wonder.  If they are currently filling out the tournament, will this only make the tournament sell out faster?  I love the idea of choosing a timeframe that is more accessible, but why not increase the participation at the same time.

"Sixty lanes won’t matter for the other tournaments: the Senior Masters field will max at 360, the Queens at 240, the Senior Queens at 120 and the Summer Team USA Trials at 120."

If you have 60 lanes, shouldn't all of the tournaments have the same maximum participation potential?

Thanks riggs, I forgot both Queen's tournaments would be conducted at the same time.  I am assuming the two Master's tournaments will be at different times then.  Makes sense considering the participation level.  And I assume some of the over 50 crowd would participate in both.