Tournaments seem to mean less and less the older players get. Can't really read to much into them as you don't know what clubs/coaches are putting a premium at winning games at these type of tourneys. I know my DD's Club does not put any kind of priority on smaller tournaments and showcases and these games are used to get the bench players some playing time but then again, each club/team have different Mantras. Our club holds league play and Nationals as paramount but they will try to win at a tournament like Blues/Surf/Jeff/Dallas large Elite tournaments.
As for FRAM, or other Cali teams, we still have yet see many. At this point we have only seen CITY FC GA at Champions league in which DD's team won 4-0 (I really hope the starting goalie is ok!!!). I'm guessing most SW GA teams would be fighting near the bottom in ECNL League play but still good to see them be able to at least hang at local small tournaments but still have A LOT of work to do catching up.
Again, and to just beat the dead horse some more, if a good coach in GA can develop talent or recruit talent, they can be right up there with the top ECNL teams, it's just so much harder in SoCal and Dallas ECNL markets. I'm actually surprised how well Colorado Rush maintains decent teams in the Denver market. Also will be watching for which clubs move this spring ECNL/GA. GA really needs to hope for an ECNL Club to move their way while also hoping they don't lose any more major clubs.
Going back to the comment earlier about the Colorado Rush players leaving for REAL Colorado. At this point it is only two players, both are quality players, but none of the standouts.