I've often wondered why so many tournaments sit out there, seemingly forever. Is it because they're OPEN and many people would prefer closed range tournaments? If you're an 1100 do you want to get beat up by a 2000? Sure you can learn from them but getting tromped on isn't always fun. I also wonder why chess.com doesn't provide a way to FIND tournaments that are nearly ready to start or which fall in a certain range. If I'm a 1500 perhaps I'd like to limit my search to tournaments that range from 1300 - 1600.

I also wonder why there are so many 100 person tournaments. A 12 person tournament with two games going at once with each of the other players can be fun, especially if everyone plays at a reasonable rate and doesn't go on vacation "forever". Vacation allowances are important, if there is a legitimate reason, but rarely being active is a good reason NOT to join a tournament.

I guess I'm always wondering or is that "wandering"

just sign up and be patience. they will eventually fill up and start. then hopefully you won't have to wait for too many people using their vacation time.

Everything you ask about exists. Chess.com tournaments are in a 200 point range. No vacations tournaments exist. I am currently in an 8 person tournament.

you're missing the point. I've been in a number of tournaments. MOST of the upcoming tournaments are OPEN not 200 point range. I have to wade thru pages upon pages to find one within a couple hundred of my current rating. The main point of my topic is to discover why people start tournaments that never have a chance. Check out the ones that have 4 to 8 registered of 100 ,,, starting in JULY ... ... hmmm., which July do you suppose?