So you basically took out Phoenix to go specifically for Gearfried...but why did you "un-max" Blast with Chain?
Because Blast with Chain is at max, an inferior version of Rush Recklessly if Gearfried is not available (as it only has the Reinforcement of the Army to search for it, which is relatively slightly weaker than most other monsters that can be recruited by the 3 Tomatos or Rat.)
I believe that the original ran only 2 Blast with Chains but 3 Smoke Grenade of the Bandit as well.
Personally like what I said on MSN to Zaik already, I prefer hydroggedon instead of nimble momonga, cause then at least blast with chain can be used to suicide Cyber Dragon (which is still not as good as rush recklessly's complete destruction of Cyber Dragon without suicide, but still). It makes Blast with Chain less of a dead card when Gearfriend is not available if Hydroggedon is there.
I'm still inclined to believe that it's the player who got the talent to play Gearfried that made it successful in the Top 8. Like what I said... the tricks aren't new (but definitely a surprise), yet how come everyone else before this can't use the same tricks to win? Must be the player that matters.