i think the waiting list is fair for the first round only.it is not fair if its the semi final and someone who has not played get to join it.
in theory but unlikey a person could win the entire competition with only one match.
it would much fairer to select a player who was eliminated from the round previous as they have played their way through to the stage already.

this is my opinion i may be right or wrong its food for thought as i may be likely there will be a drop out in later rounds.luckily it wont be me as im history as soon as andybob catches up with me