I haven't read all 87 pages yet, but I have read enough to appreciate both sides of this discussion.
First, I am a die-hard Laker fan, and almost everybody hates them. Most, however, respect them for their accomplishments on and off the court. Let's count those who wanted to Break Up The Yankees over the years.
My mind travels back to Garfield's first DCI win. We sat in the stands and endured the 'EAST, EAST, EAST, EAST', etc. but we understood it, all things considered. However, I believe that was the show where the snare squad (and perhaps more of the drum group) marched backfield and went behind some time of visual barricade. I swear they were there for some minutes, and I was furious they took high drums. I didn't boo, but I was really PO'd. If I had booed, no one would have heard it for the cheers and EAST calls. I told myself it was a beautiful horn show and a great drill.
The Cadets are still the only corps in DCI to win three consecutive DCI titles (so far). I don't recall every hearing people boo them for that. They do have more National titles than anyone also. Are either of those facts causing anybody to hate them?
We all need to realize that there are three/four super corps this year. The corps that has the most strength in the most captions on the night of finals will win. I have personally attending more than 30 of the 40 DCI Finals, and I never saw a winner that I didn't think should have won. Particularly after thinking about it. Those tenths of points are hard earned by every unit. Some days one could be mis-granted. That is all it takes, you know.
Let's just sit back and enjoy every second of this spectacular year. Every corps in the top 18 or so has something wonderful to contribute. God bless them all for what they do.