That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I'll tell you why.
Lets say you don't get elevated to my tier, Pro tier, whatever (since it's clear who you are referring to) and stay in the Amateur ranks. What then? You win at the Amateur level, then based on your earnings you're going to be right back up to my tier again. All you gained was winning a prize or 2. And what about the people who shoot the round of their lives and win something? Well, they are going to get bumped up to my tier too, especially if the prize was something decent. I don't think one lucky day should determine anything.
No, earnings cannot be a determination for tier status. Overall placements in tournaments perhaps (top 5's, top 10's etc.), but not the amount of money you've won.
As far as the tournament format goes, the Unlimited play gives people about as good of a chance as it gets at winning. If you put me in a 4 round 18 hole tournament, I guarantee you I will finish either 1st or 2nd every time. I shoot lower more consistently than anyone, so that's only going to make me win more, and you less.
If our averages are separated by 2 points, then over 4 rounds that equates to an 8 shot differential. You'll have to shoot 4 points better than your average over 4 rounds and have me shoot 4 points worse than my average over 4 rounds just for us to be even. The chances of that are not very good at all. At least with an Unlimited play, you get a chance to shoot over and over unitl you shoot that 28 that you did this week.
Speaking of which, I see you've shot a 28 in the weekly Back 9 tournament this week, and your average is under 61. You don't belong in the Amateur tier any more than I do, friend. That average is better than over 99% of the golfers on here. Face it, if you're good enough to shoot that low, it's time to move up. Sorry if that means having to continue dealing with me, but that's just the way it is.
This isn't a 'Lets-have-everyone-win-something" kind of situation. Performance determines winning, and any dilution of that principle dilutes the essence of the game. Complain all you want if a select group of players win alot, but changing the rules just to benefit your situation is not the answer, nor is any proposal to "Tibbets-proof" the game. The only answer to not winning is: Practice and do better next time. That's what every competitor on every level deals with. All you can do is your best, and if it doesn't add up to winning, you tip your cap to whoever did and accept the results.
We just need many more tiers. That's the short answer. Eventually we'll have them.