If the rules say that the minimum first bid has to be 19,000 - and someone bids 19,000 - well then it is within the rules set by the creator.

I would think if the creator of the tournament wanted the first bid to be at least 19,001 - they would say that in the rules.

.... to get upset at someone who bids 19,000 is like getting upset at someone who bids 100 and gets the 500 point bonus and make 400 in a round - Good bet - glad you got lucky with your bid.

... and feel lucky you did not end up in the pond