Skip,
I'm 99% sure there is a rule that if you place in either the top 5 or top 6 (can't recall which) at the USA's or the nationals, you get a 5 year qualification for national levels shows.
I have seen and heard this mentioned several times, so I don't think he is making it up. Its not remotely relevant to me now, so I never bothered to confirm.
From what I've found the NPC page is pretty worthless for getting the real deal on their rules.
-Randy