[Henry17]

Why someone needs to be staked is very important. It frames the whole situation.

I'm a good player but I don't feel comfortable taking on the whole risk of a $10k tournament buy in = Makes sense.

I'm a good player but I need chump change = Does not make sense.

It raises questions such as if this person is a winning player then why doesn't he have $1250?

If he has confidence in his ability why doesn't he just take a cash advance on his Visa or borrow the money?

If someone can't come up with $2500 on their own then there is something wrong and it sets off massive red flags to anyone with half a brain.