Well, if you insist on imposing conditions...
If someone wants to learn how to play, they should do it on the standard version. This is normal, understandable, and obvious to me.
Studying the intricacies of heroes on the "Whirlwind" difficulty is a sad pursuit, as someone here mentioned. Because these intricacies lie in the clunky tactics that have been removed in "Equilibrium." And you should switch to "Equilibrium" as soon as possible to avoid breaking bad habits later. This is also clear to me.
If a beginner is too lazy to download and install a normal version of the game, then the idea that they will improve their skills after playing in a tournament on "Whirlwind" raises serious doubts. If they're lazy, then they're just lazy.
What else... Ah, here's something.
The question of switching was raised not by me, but by people who have tried and enjoyed the mod. My words are clear to them.
Mass appeal? That's a good thing. Play however you like.
I probably don't understand something... But, in my opinion, a tournament with 5 strong professionals who will share their strategies is much more interesting and useful for a beginner than playing with 50 other beginners with minimal effort...
Because if a person wants to learn, they will. And you are trying to drag as many people as possible into it, hoping that something will come of it later.
Maybe it will.
Good luck.

