Did Volgograd surrender without a fight?

Where's the fight? Who are they supposed to surrender to? Maybe you surrendered by not signing up for the tournament? Huh?
Regarding the topic. The tournament is extremely interesting and appealing to me, and the starting conditions suit me (I would like some experience, but oh well). But why is there such widespread ignoring of it by strong players? Does the 1800+300 limit scare them, or what? Let's discuss it, make arrangements, such an interesting tournament shouldn't be ignored so easily. IMHO.