However, after reading this article and comments, now I understand that 'luck' is part of the game anyway and it may actually increase the player base.
Yes exactly. That's why I have pushed for the "single-splinter" events... People can focus on one specific splinter grouping and luck of the matchups give you some hope to win. Of course you have to be good, but you don't have to own every card possible to win (just focus on the splinter you like best and build that).
Encouraging others to play and win should be something they should be doing, but instead they are trying to "protect" the good players by giving out big pots from the "general prize pool" and restricting entry of the masses so that the tourneys move fast. And while I want to see you (and the other great players) rewarded, I also want to see the other people feel they can play and earn too. (Note: I am perfectly fine with making the pay higher for the higher tiers, and also with restricting entry to the size of the decks, just not by using fees to do so.)