So is it financial/time off as the reason, or the team isn't prepared?
I can agree with your example. The OP specifically mentioned errors. We don't have all the details, but I find it hard to believe that playing 1-2 mid week games vs lesser opponents will cause a promising A team to not be competitive at all. Sounds like a crutch.
Oh that hasn't been the problem with my DD she's been to Minneapolis twice, Omaha twice, Lincoln Nebraska, n desmoines twice in tournaments this year so far with other teams and not for one sec would I not want to go to nationals if we were being prepared as a team to do so but we are not, and yes there is a lot more to the mess that the coach created tbh I don't see this team even being a team after this year.
I didn't think we would be going cause looking at the expenses involved, time off of work etc. to do the nationals I didn't think it worth it, he says to me but it would be fun and a good experience for the girls which I agree but imo, personally I don't want to drop a thousand dollars on a tourney that we cannot compete in.