As a kid from a finalist band in this area that didn't make state, it is VERY difficult. It really hard to not feel like a disappointment or a failure in this area when you don't make the top 4, but its also important to have perspective. its easy to feel hopeless, but there are bands in this country that dream of being half as funded or big or strong as the bands in this area.
I do also think that making area j was a mistake, its very unfair to the kids that are working so hard and deserve to have the opportunity to go to state, however in this area its just hopeless for anyone outside the top 4.