Michael,
I'll try to address your points one-by-one.
> My only true concern is that the MST office is usurping the power of the ST > chain.
The MST office is part of the ST chain.
> Yet, in this case, the MST has decided to simply > \"make it be\".
Wrong. This is a storyline effect which took place as part of an unusual storyline at the Golden Ticket LARP.
In addition, if you dislike its effect, it is SPECIFICALLY written so the ST can disallow its use at any game as they see fit, without giving any further reasons.
> Thus, the power of the VST is usurped
As already demonstrated above, this is wrong.
> instead of an approval, a notification exists
The notification is for an effect that took place due to a storyline. If you re-read the effects, you will notice that it in fact requires the approval of the VST EVERY TIME the player wishes to use it BEFORE and AT *every game.*
> This is NOT in the spirit of organization, the ST > hierarchy, or the Camarilla Handbook
I am afraid that you are making unsupported generalizations. Please feel free to quote specific instances, but until then your accusations are simply untrue.
> This same usurping of power has been implemented with > increased XP caps for convention attendance. Again, > rather than make it approval, the MST office has declared > it to be a given.
This is also incorrect. Convention attendance XP over cap is awarded by the regions or nations that run the conventions in question, or rare one-off events such as the Golden Ticket LARP. As such the awards are made by a region or nation.
> I find these actions deplorable
I urge you to retract that accusation.
> and hope that the MST office starts acting more responsibly
I once again urge you to retract the accusation of irresponsible actions.
> This is an insult to the organization
As above.
> and is a bad example to lower level STs
And once more.
Your comment suggests significant displeasure that is - judging from your accusations - based on lack of knowledge of the system and the processes of the Camarilla. I urge you to reconsider and rephrase those statements as they create an unfortunate precedent of directly insulting other members of the ST chain.
If you wish to take this to private email - which I suggest you ought to - please contact me at camstoryteller@white-wolf.com.