As far as tech and stuff goes...
Tony T was known in MK for discovering the sickest stuff with Cyrax and had some insane execution. When he came to a tournament here he didn't make top 16. Tech doesn't put you in contention for anything. I'm considered the best Lex by a lot (which i know isn't valid until some more come out) but half of the stuff I use comes from other people. But me taking other people's tech doesn't put those people above me for that reason alone, everything comes from playing.
But I also don't agree with automatic placements. Like, let's say x top player says hes using Bane and is immediately called one of the best Banes. IMO it all has to come from results, or at least some significant gameplay showing.