This new legislation does work for quite a few people - particularly those more institutionalized operators. There are such folks who find the "Certificates of Sponsorship" route more streamlined than past practices. For others however, including many true independents, this new system can now bar performances in venues that have been historically supportive of live music. No one is saying the old work permit system was perfect, but, this new system - for too many international artists, is a real mess.