Seating for tournaments in 535 are done as you say, and usually starts out random. In certain venues people can sign up on a Smoking list or a non-smoking list.

As a matter of fact players are not allowed to sign in. The TD’s have to sign them all in, to insure someone doesn’t table stack by skipping spots.

Not sure how the TD there handled things, but it sure doesn’t sound random. Sounds more like a soft playing or chip dumping scandal to me. Shame on anyone doing either.

As far as the drinking goes, I wasn’t there so I can’t vouch for how it went down. But if I’m playing and someone is announcing that you can buy beer if you’d like, I’m ok with that. The choice is mine. I appreciate them making it available.