There was only 1 point difference between each of Cedar Park, Rouse, and Leander in finals at Area. Leander has consistently won in music at BOA Austin, TMC, and UIL Area finals and beat Rouse at TMC. The different scoring configuration and ratio may come into play. It will be tight at the top and interesting to see how it comes out. It should be entertaining regardless!
Balancing quality is a part of the equation but also keep in mind that the state population continues to grow significantly. More people means more students, more schools, more bands, more regions, areas, etc...