The meet has been getting less exclusive over time. Here are some examples on the number of competitors at each OT meet:
Men's 100 fly
1992 - 32
2004 - 51
2008 - 106
2012 - 110+ (est.)
Men's 200 fly
1992 - 20
2004 - 41
2008 - 84
2012 - 110+ (est.)
Men's 400 free
1992 - 28
2004 - 27
2008 - 70
2012 - 100+ (est.)
I've assumed this to be the case for years, since most of the current cuts are slower than 2004 cuts (and as you pointed out even earlier in some cases). I never looked at actual numbers until now.
Membership numbers in the prior year leading up to OTs:
1991 - 165,622
2003 - 235,013
2007 - 251,547
2010 - 286,900 (most recent full year)
Especially in the last 8 years, the number of qualifiers has increased much more than the membership growth. But that will happen when you make cuts slower even though suit technology and training methods are continuously improving. With most events having over 100 swimmers, I have to imagine cuts will be faster in 2016.
The slower cuts may be intentional. The swimmers all pay entry fees per event to USA-S to swim in the meet just like Nationals or a local meet. More entries = more entry fee revenue. 2000 was the last year Trials was held in a traditional natatorium (Indy). Since then they went to a large outdoor stadium (Long Beach 2004) and then the huge indoor Qwest Center (2008, 2012). Their rental costs are much higher now than Indy (e.g. temporary pools, arena rental, etc.) so it could simply be a business decision to loosen the cuts. I have no idea if this is true or not, it's pure speculation on my part but somebody has to pay the rent!
PS. Just after posting I saw Kirk's post immediately before mine. We're obviously on the same wavelength.
The meet has been getting less exclusive over time. Here are some examples on the number of competitors at each OT meet:
Men's 100 fly
1992 - 32
2004 - 51
2008 - 106
2012 - 110+ (est.)
Men's 200 fly
1992 - 20
2004 - 41
2008 - 84
2012 - 110+ (est.)
Men's 400 free
1992 - 28
2004 - 27
2008 - 70
2012 - 100+ (est.)
I've assumed this to be the case for years, since most of the current cuts are slower than 2004 cuts (and as you pointed out even earlier in some cases). I never looked at actual numbers until now.
Membership numbers in the prior year leading up to OTs:
1991 - 165,622
2003 - 235,013
2007 - 251,547
2010 - 286,900 (most recent full year)
Especially in the last 8 years, the number of qualifiers has increased much more than the membership growth. But that will happen when you make cuts slower even though suit technology and training methods are continuously improving. With most events having over 100 swimmers, I have to imagine cuts will be faster in 2016.
The slower cuts may be intentional. The swimmers all pay entry fees per event to USA-S to swim in the meet just like Nationals or a local meet. More entries = more entry fee revenue. 2000 was the last year Trials was held in a traditional natatorium (Indy). Since then they went to a large outdoor stadium (Long Beach 2004) and then the huge indoor Qwest Center (2008, 2012). Their rental costs are much higher now than Indy (e.g. temporary pools, arena rental, etc.) so it could simply be a business decision to loosen the cuts. I have no idea if this is true or not, it's pure speculation on my part but somebody has to pay the rent!
PS. Just after posting I saw Kirk's post immediately before mine. We're obviously on the same wavelength.
