Replying to Why so few invites to X this year?

Anyone know why there are so few invitees to X Games this year? Looking at the lineup for men's ski slopestyle I counted only 8 skiers, meaning no semis and only finals on Sunday. I feel that all these guys are well deserving of an invitation but there are a few names I'm suprised to see absent from the list. Where's Henshaw, Bellmare, Wester and company at? I understand that it is the premier event for our sport and that invites must be earned, I just feel this year won't be as exciting to watch without as much competition.