You guys do realise that what we do every weekend is called 'racing' and not 'qualifying'?
The regionals tend to run the same format as the nationals as it's supposed to be a stepping stone to them (looks like it will be even more now the numbers are up), so people know what to expect at the big meetings.
Part of the skill to finals is keeping out of trouble. I know a national A finalist who says he drives 'even easier' in finals.
Equally, if you have a bad qually and line up A 10, you then can't win the meeting can you with your system?
Swings and roundabouts
G