The problem is the interfacing between Paciolan and the HC Club, when Paciolan trying to verify your giving to see if I have given the requisite amount for my selection. This problem with the interfacing has been ongoing for the last 3-4 years, and the HC coders either can't or won't fix it. That is why I always ask for a telephone call during selection to avoid glitches.
Myself and others have had problems in the past making online contributions via the VicTory account system. I now give via University Advancement (under which the HC falls), and tell them to notify the HC. UA is more efficient, and their records are accurate (they have a $20 contribution I made back in 1976).
I agree with you that "Getting good seats is no longer a matter of just giving big bucks-,,,". With the new seating packages, I can get the seats I want without contributing anything to the HC. A lot of the old time (spurned) donors are seriously contemplating going that route.
I did and do understand the system. As I said to a poster last night, good code makes for good outcomes. HC fails again.