I agree with Kash here.
Yes, 217 is quite a few, but it's not that many either; they can extend it for a week or two, and that's how they learn.
10 weeks is a bit much, though... but if the guys have time, why not?
And lastly, play Mini-Nostalgia; it's almost the same as SMK, but with computers.
P.S. A newbie will theoretically study new templates once they've mastered SMK, but that's not a certainty.
At least they'll get to see them.
I found it very interesting to play on 8mm6; I probably won't play SMK much anymore.
P.S.2. Before registering for a tournament, you should have checked what you would be playing in the playoff phase. By signing up, you agree!