I disagree with Deena Kastor's detractors. She is an Olympic Bronze medalist and should be treated as such. That should be Carte Blanche in the running world. Her entry would also weight his race with more significance for as long as he holds that race.
Also, Deena is not some selfish primadonna. She has worked tirelessly over the years, attending all sorts of engagements, etc. (gratis I might add), to support and elevate distance running in the United States. Her efforts have been far above and beyond the call of merely being a good ambassador for the sport for the last eight years.
From a purely mercenary standpoint, why would a race director refuse to comp a well-behaved, highly regarded American Olympic bronze medalist and a native Californian who has helped revolutionize women's running in the United States? As a straight businessman, if nothing else, Deena's presence would provide free advertising and enhance promotion for his race. If I'm not mistaken, she didn't even ask for an appearance fee or travel money.
I find the RD's decision a little baffling to refuse to comp Deena's entry. A 34-minute 10K chick? Sure, pay your way woman. But a bronze medalist? Please race in MY race, OH PLEEEZE! He could claim that Olympian forever.
A dumb move in my book.