Shells,
Sad to say I think the issue of whether Negreanu deserved the POTY award is a moot point at this juncture. Obviously the majority opinion is the point system to award the title is a farce and so any suggestions/ideas to improve it are welcomed.
On sheer strength of finishes, I have seen other 'fairer' calculations which could have awarded Dario Sammartino, but, as Jon Sofen has posed above, Robert Campbell was by far and away the most deserving- and let's not forget he and others actually won two bracelets.
As for Negreanu, I have made my opinion clear on other threads regarding the farcical rebuys...but it's some of the smaller stats that really irk. For instance, if I recall (correctly)what another poster pointed out, Negreanu won 150 points or so for a min cash in a PLO event. He late registered (very late) and the poster was not entirely sure whether he played 2
hands or it was actually 1 to make the min cash/points. He simply blinded straight into the cash.
In essence the WSOP have shot themselves in the foot with this, and lets not forget, this has been going on for years. However, the entire poker world has grown more sophisticated - along with the general level of play, every one has developed a pretty good BS meter and most see the POTY debacle for what it is - farcical.
It's such a shame because I do believe in awards and recognition, but (ever the optimist) I think Negreanu's win might be the straw which broke the camel's back. We'll have to wait and see,