Saw them at Area D competition and they looked smaller than what I've seen in years past. One of the parents said they had 75 to 80 seniors last year and about 40 incoming freshman. They were still very, very good just not as dominant as they were 5 years ago.
There are pros and cons with the boom mics. It certainly can enhance your sound. Likewise, it can amplify any mistakes that may occur. Other perennial GN finalists like Broken Arrow, Tarpon Springs, Avon, Willam H Mason, and Blue Springs, MO use them.
Area D is already stacked as it is. I have no doubt that some of the bands outside the top 5 would be finalists in other areas. Many years ago LISD was part of the same region for TMEA.
Round Rock is going to Orlando Spring of 2023 and London summer of 2024. Don't think they're going to GN. If I recall, It cost close to 300K for a band to go
2 of those are Round Rock in 2018. Got 13th overall. Around 10ish in most categories, but one marching judge gave them 34th. Nonetheless, it's going to be a great competition and although nearly all the finalists will be BOA SA Finalists, the order may be different at SMBC
If there was a true Grand Nats this where all the big dogs appeared (Carmel, Avon, Broken Arrow, Tarpon, William Mason, Blue Springs, and top 12 from San Antonio), there's a possibility that FloMo wouldn't have made finals. Just shows how deep Texas is.
With the next 3 years of having Grand Nats the 2nd weekend in November, maybe more Texas bands will attend even on a 6A state year. In 2016, Reagan and Leander did BOA San Antonio Fri/Sat, UIL State Tue/Wed and GNs Thu/Fri/Sat all in one week.