I'll answer the questions that apply to me as an organizer/streamer and observer.
- Was the deadline too strict?
I think the deadline for the Final was too strict, 5 days seems fine for the other stages.
Knowing that these Cups usually attract 8 to 12 players max, there aren't as many games to play, so 5/5/4 would be a good format.
5 days for Group.
5 days for Knockouts up until Final/Bronze match.
4 days for Final/Bronze match.
That way it's a perfect 2 week rotation. So you can have 2 Cups per month.
This way if you always start the Cup on a Monday, the Final/Bronze match, the most important one, will always hit on a weekend, therefor the players would generally have the most free time to play the Finals, and it's a better chance of having them streamed live as well.
Also this would give it a more authentic and organized approach. It would have a routine that people can follow, and expect, so that they can fit it into their daily lives with more ease instead of feeling pressure.
- Did you feel too much pressure under the deadline?
I feel like 1 day to prepare for Final is too little, for multiple reasons:
It might have to be rushed, meaning lower quality performance from players.
No time to organize for stream.
High possibility of missing deadline.
- Was the moderating to harsh?
I think the moderation was fine, because all the players knew what they were signing up for and so there they accept the T&C of the rules by signing up.
- What could been done better?
What I suggested in my first quote reply.
- Overall thoughts on the Speed Cups?
It's nice activity, and players are getting LOTS of practise on a high skill level.