Well when you say CEA each gym is VERY different and ran differently. So, what Kville does is WAY different than Sanford or Raleigh, so it make a huge difference in which gym you are talking about when you say CEA. Now to your point I can think of two reasons why that team (and some others "CEA" teams in NC) would be pushed into level 5. One, all of those kids that are in attendance at the bid event are would be available as subs on any team that may have received a bid at that event. this allows them to mix and match up to ten kids on every bid receiving team at the event. Think back a few years ago at BATC.
And reason two, A well respected name in the cheer world just opened a gym not far from Lake Norman. Maybe its to try make sure the kids that are with cea now, stay since they are on a level 5 team?