So Im fairly new. Playing in a tournament sounds like a lot of fun even though I know for a fact that I would have no chance of winning.
I compare the tournament to a 5k race. Also that I know I have no chance of winning. Every run comes with a T-shirt. I always liked getting the shirt because "i earned it". But eventually a runner gets more shirts than they know what to do with. But with that, the shirt just becomes an expected part of the entry fee.
A 5k race will cost 20 to 30 dollars including the shirt. The shirt costs 5/10 dollars and the remaining 15/20 goes toward 'the race'. But discs are more expensive. At $15/20 per they get add up. Especially if its a disc you won't use.
There were some races that would give the option of taking a more expensive item. How would that work in DG tourney? During admission, could you choose which item you like. Instead of $50, charge 25 for entry, then an option for a $10 shirt, $20 disc or $25 player pack? I'm thowing ignorant numbers out because I am ignorant. Just trying to think outside the box although this all is probably stuff you have experienced.
I guess that is off what the OP is asking but ultimately like others have stated - what does it matter what they do with the portion going to 'the tourney'. Either you find it of value or you don't. I really hope that the TD pockets some of it because it encourages them to host more events. If he puts it toward the 'pros' and I still find the entry fee worth it, then there is no issue.
Even in the McDonalds comparison, they will charge at-or-near cost for the cheap menu items just to steal you away from BK, and in the hopes that you will sometimes buy the higher dollar items. Its their business model and its how they feel they need to make money. We could put our foot down and demand they charge equally across the board but that would only prove that we have no clue what we are talking about.