Should the host of an event "curate" the invitation list? I think yes.
What should we think of an ignored member as tournament director? Is there going to be doubts about the integrity of the game? The person handling the chips has plenty of ways to help themselves out.
I worked with all sorts of unsavory clients in my life. An astonishing assortment of adulterers, frauds, thieves, hate mongers, racists etc. As much or more so in the executive ranks that I saw every time is visited the company's campus. You learn to just hold your nose, keep your eyes open / but not share your opinions about people's personal lives. It got hard when we uncovered criminals though - no one wants to find out a key part of leadership is defrauding the company.
I think a poker meat-up would work the same way. There are some dubious people in our midst. I can smile at the table. Be good for the game and all that. But still, I would be keeping a careful eye out for shenanigans. Morally defective people seem like excellent candidates for cheats.
Trust, but verify indeed -=- DrStrange