I find it interesting that everyone assumes McKenna is an upgrade to Cortez or Nick Lee. I'm not convinced from what I've seen that last two years that would be the case. I don't see him as a "sure thing" finalist.
Though he is more "proven" than the other two at this point, I like all the guys coming in (especially Lee), and am excited to see the next "breakthrough". The unknown of the new guys, with what is to me a high potential, is more fun.
Of course, its also comfortable to roll the dice because of the luxury of having 5 returning champs and a would have been 6th....
Who says you won't see McKenna and Cortez this year, and all 3 next year?