2) Richard I's save will be considered, as the application was indeed submitted, albeit in a different thread. He simply couldn't register in the thread for the 3rd stage due to a forum malfunction (which happens very rarely), so we shouldn't punish him for that. This won't happen again; I can vouch for him. This participant has repeatedly demonstrated fair play, earning respect not only from me but also from many other tournament participants.
Although I haven't read anything justifying this situation, out of respect for VDV and Qwerty, I will leave this matter unresolved....