@ BB, I think you're being coy with the "I didn't TIE every game". So you didn't TIE every game leading up to the semi's?
Negative, I didn't TIEd every game before semifinals.
It was that HCA needs to be done away with or given to teams outside of the top 10 in the world.
When cadency started Poland was 32th in world ranking...
This proves my point. We barely made the semifinals because we had to use enthusiasm to get there. In fact it took a win by someone else on the last day for us to make it. Poland reached the semifinals with tons of enthusiasm because they DIDN'T have to use enthusiasm to get there.
Sometimes You must use more enthusiasm and sometimes not. In European Championships Poland had very very very bad schedule. We were CTed 5 times. Afaik we went to semifinal with enthusiasm by 7-8 levels less than Italy ;-) And Italy had HCA of course. So we had the same situation in EC as USA in WC.
But I never depreciated Italy's victory, I sent congratulations and I was happy Poland won first medal.
In Championships HCA for Poland didn't change final standing of USA ;-) Without Poland with HCA in this tournament USA would finish 3rd anyway. You would lose with Chile and I think You wouldn't able to beat all other european teams (Italy and Spain in row). So HCA for Poland wasn't problem for You.
I can say more, You reached semis thanks Poland ;-) Because Spain decided to gain enthusiasm in last round to increase chance to fight with Poland in semi ;-)
It was better for USA that Poland had HCA. Please try to imagine what would happen if Marocco had HCA... Last quarter would be boring because of garbage time...
If we talk about advantages please note Grubbs was drafted in 2nd season when Poland didn't exist in BB ;-) So therefore he could have better skills and experience. Is it fair advantage? ;-)
He is trained in club which isn't normal club - history of this club is gray. Hmmm... when I'm looking for new home for polish player I must find normal club. When this club goes to bankrupt I must find new one. Is it fair advantage? ;-)
Our staff must make hard work to recognize how to train players to be as good as possible. Owner of Grubbs knows it... Is it fair advantage? ;-)