This. With current model of Nisei kit, you either are in the running for the win, or get the participation prize and nothing more. There is just 1 mat and just 2-3 copies of Titan (depending if the organizer takes one), so all the midpack level players have nothing to play for. A kit that has 4 promo cards in different quantities (let’s say 1-4-10-16, with an extra copy of each for the TO) would be way more interesting, with each player having something to aim for.
Another problem with playmats is that they are hard to collect (because they take a lot of space) so once someone has enough, they just sell off the rest. I have won over 20 playmats and have just 3 remaining (and one of those 3 will go for sale soon). I keep much higher percentage of promos I win. Playmats are bad elite prizes, as they end up being cash prizes which are a bit tedious to spend.