Been doing this for a long time but first time in Parma. I would definitely consider going back - overall, it was a pretty good experience. Park was very nice and the people running it made a genuine effort to make you feel welcome. As you stated, up early and playing late is definitely what you should expect and I have no problem with that.
However, the attitude you show with the rest of your post is inappropriate in my opinion. Putting hard work into something doesn't mean anybody's suggestions (alright - complaints!) aren't without merit or that they have no right to voice them. Simply doing their best does not remove the obligation to give people a quality product for their money. If they don't want to be held accountable for how it is run, then do it for free. Teams will tell them how they liked the tournament by whether they return next year or not. And I think the majority will return.
That said, I've been involved in travel ball since 2002. A few things happened that have not been the norm in my experience.
1. We played on a field with a mound for only the third time ever (did play on a grass infield once also). I would rather see less teams and not use the field with the mound. It doesn't necessarily affect the game, but we are playing softball, not baseball and people don't like the mound on the field. That same field was lined and declared playable Saturday morning even though you couldn't walk without sliding in the mud in the middle of the field. It wasn't checked.
2. Didn't find out until very late Saturday what our game time was for Sunday. This is highly unusual - not seeding by pools is fine if that's what you want, but not to find out until 11:30 Saturday night what Sunday game times are is not good. Original schedule had games starting at 9:30 so this was not just because of the delay.
3. Trash removal. I know they weren't responsible for it, but it needs to be taken out.
4. Awards for players. Already been beat to death but no excuse for not having them at the tourney. Too many places who could have gotten them done with a week's notice not to have them ready.
