I started competing only just a few years ago but even then it was harder. In Canada we had to make it through a regional then provincial (state) to get to a national show where one pro card would be given out to the overall. Its still only given to the overall (we have 3 shows per year) but theres no show in between the regional and pro qualifier.
The amount of cards given out in the states is a little nuts but on the other side, I'm down for the sport/lifestyle to grow. The more people we get competing, the better. The sad thing is even though theres more competing and more pro card revenue generated, it hasn't really translated to higher prizes for the winners.
For some of you older fellas, what being a pro was, is essentially what being an olympian is now. And a pro now is equivalent to a top end amateur or maybe not even that in some cases. But it is what it is.