Kelly Slater and Sunny Garcia got into a heated exchange on Twitter Thursday over the future of the ASP format. It's a hot topic this week as ASP meetings in France are centered on the matter.

The biggest complaint from surfers trying to qualify is that it's too tough. Yet 5 of 32 surfers are new to the tour over the past 12 months: a 15% annual turnover rate. 

Back when the tour was 45 surfers, the average amount of rookies was 6 per year: a 13% annual turnover rate. Some would like to open the tour back up to a wider field, but Slater challenged that with his opinion, and noted how the surfers voted.

The losers round is another pain point for those wanting in. WQS surfers argue that that precious time spent running those heats could be used to fit more guys on tour.

While entirely true, it would also degrade the show, as lesser talents get back on and heats like one between Julian, Joel and Mick at Lowers -- one of the best of the entire year -- would be replaced with another bathroom-break Round Two match.

The problem with the old format is the world's best surfers didn't get enough stage time at marquis events. Putting the best product out there is better for the audience.

The one valid point WQS surfers do have is their gripe over the current weight of Prime events, which isn't nearly enough considering world tour surfers have 10 extra chances to gather nuts. All 10 tour events have massive points available. 

A more equal distribution of points between Primes (WQS) and World Tour events is key to keeping the wheels of progress greased.

Yet a quick examination of who exactly is making it in this new format indicates the system -- while in need of refinement -- is already working. Among the newcomers over the past 12 months: Julian Wilson, John Florence, Gabriel Medina, Miguel Pupo and Alejo Muniz.

To Slater's last point, the entire ASP tour has never been better. The fans are watching a much better show. The surfers are making more money. The webcast are more frequent and getting television time. And what's more, WQS surfers are getting more money and light shined on them via the Primes than ever before.

So what's the problem? The tour's too tough?  It should be.

That's why it matters.