The issue with one rating spot in the system

The current system of having only one rating spot for the Candidates tournament is problematic. This was evident last year when Ding Liren qualified for the Candidates despite not playing enough games and maintaining his rating. It was a loophole in the system that allowed him to secure his spot without actively competing. This year, we see a similar issue with Alireza Firouzja organizing a last-minute event against retired GMs to boost his rating. While the legitimacy of the games may not be in question, the lack of competition and motivation from the opponents raises concerns. The system needs to be revised to ensure that qualifying for the Candidates is based on merit and active participation in competitive events.