Considering the number of players, I dont actually think that the number of repeated questions have been too bad. Granted, I dont have to go through HAs pms and I count myself lucky. Im sure it causes HA some extra work and a bit of grief, its just that its sort of expected.
Its my first tourney as well, but I figure once we (assuming we do get through) get to a more managable number of players, there will be very few left that havent read through the rules, pms and the front page numerous times. There will still be a few. I assume there will still be several very young people left in the tourney by then and probably some with a less than fluent english. Its sort of excusable for a ... say 14 year old finnish Risk enthusiast to miss even important points, especially when she may be new to both tourneys and conquerclub. - Less so for old gnarly types like me with reasonable english skills, even if we may be just as new to tourneys and conquerclub

)
Its still commendable that you show such patience with the mistakes and repeated questions, though
One question. Not sure if someone has already brought it up, but if so I missed it: Will you consider pushing a round off to an early start, for instance round 3.- That is start a few maps and games out early even before the final games of the previous round are finished? Or will that make for too much trouble with some people joining round 3 games, expecting to get through, then not actually getting that crucial win in round 2, when the chips are counted?