I like Monday Morning Quarterbacking but Stevie Wonder could see that the Olympia would not put another Feather in Phil's Cap by doing the show.
Like Bob Cick said, "Some people are planning their trip to the O to see you so make up your mind."
Personally, I never competed in the Mr. O based on the fans attendance or travel plans.
When you compete to win, do it in a manner where there is a glimmer of hope that you legitamately have a chance, expirience taught me that my Rookie year when I placed 13th because I felt I had some sort of obligation simply because I was qualified.
This is a new day and we are talking about Phil.
No, I never had a "Manager" some guys I have heard have but nonetheless, if you have someone you can listen to as a Pro by all means it would be smart to heed some
Advises.

Phil does the O, he gains nothing.

Phil skips the O, his mystique continues to grow as will his muscles and maturity! Which by the way, is what he was sorely missing at the ASC and only comes with time.
The reality is, if he does the show, he will miss the top 6 or eek his way into it but we will all be talking about the Top 2 or 3 guys and the fan fare will wane on the others rather quickly and dude will either be back on a diet 1 or 2 months later for the ASC or take a year off but still have to Requalify at the Colorado Pro Am early summer of 08 in his home state!

I personally would advise him to let them WAIT(The Fans)!

He grows, his gets busy, promotes himself, matures, guest poses, does seminars, markets himself as a product and make this into a business!
If not, I'll be there to support the kid either way but since it's a message board I thought I'd share my two cents.
He has a great FUTURE with
FUTURE being the operative word.

Peace,
S. Ray