Hey sharpq,

Clearly, I am no expert at this game, but I do have similar experiences as yourself.

Chess is a mind game; chess players' ratings are a function of various capabilities,at the least: knowledge, insight and a disciplined psyche, maybe even stamina...if you are playing 50 games simultaneously. Your performance is a function of how you and your opponent perceive each other. For example, you may judge "stronger" and "weaker" performance by their ratings or a couple of moves that seem unorthodox or unreasonable.   As such, you may take more time and apply increased focus when you make your moves, if you perceive a strong opponent.  Inversely, you may take for granted and put less thought into the game against someone who you perceive as "weaker".  You may adopt a more defensive posture against a "stronger" opponent, which could take away from your offensive game.  I suppose, we all naturally fall into a certain range of ratings, i.e., 1400 to 1600, not remaining at one particular average rating.  If you learn strategies and tactics, then you range and average rating will increase, independent of our perception of our opponent. 

Play a handful of games where you tell yourself that each of your opponents is much "stronger" than yourself.  Do not take for granted someone you perceive as "weaker".  Up to a certain point, I suspect your rating will increase, as you will win more consistently against those rated less than you and you will likely win more games against opponents rated higher, because they will likely percieve you as "weaker" and possibly take your skills for granted.

By the way, thanks for organizing that tourney.  All the games moved at a nice pace and the players were genial.