People who want more matches with top players should travel more. Apex is the culmination of the work people have put in; this isn't another random tournament. This is the apex of competitive Smash.I think Armada asked because he wants people who come to the tournament to be able to play as much matches as possible(especially out of country players); with bigger more players get more matches in, so even if they get knocked out before the bracket they'll feel as if they got there money's worth.
I'm not sure free play should take precedence over allowing more tournament matches, but I can see arguments for both cases.