by mesquiton » Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:29 pm
[b:73959c8c73]bob711:[/b:73959c8c73] Players not actually used = no penalty assessed, but thanks for reporting.
[b:73959c8c73]mcsoupy:[/b:73959c8c73] I agree. The current tourney format, arrived at by trial-and-error over the years, seems to maximize participation, interest, fun and excitement, as well as make things more competitive.
When the Champs League was just the top 12 point-getters, with no Semis, over half the managers would drop out between the first and last events, because they were already out of contention.
With the current format, most managers participate to the end. This year I think we had one less league filled for the final event than for the first event. Under the old format we would have half or less of the original number of leagues by the final event.
Also doesn't seem so clear to me that a 2-league Semis gives top seeds a big advantage over a 3-league format. The numerical odds are better with 24 teams, but the competition is weaker with 36. With 36 teams, a top seed faces lower seeds in his division than he would with only the top 24 competing.
With 24 teams, the #1 seed faces #12, #13 and #24 in his division. With 36 teams, he faces #18, #19 and #36.
Seems to me that's an advantage for the top seed. The higher the seed, the bigger the benefit.
A 24-team format puts 4 managers into the finals without even making the playoffs in their Semis league, while another dozen managers are needlessly excluded.
The difference between those managers could be as little as a dice roll or two over 5 qualifying leagues, or maybe a manager had easier or tougher competition in his divisions.
With 36, all playoff teams advance, and nobody gets to the Champs League without first making the playoffs against all top-36 competition, in the Semis. That works for me, whatever my seed.
The tournament's for fun, not to prove anything, which it can't do anyway. But, it can crown a Tournament Champ and make for fun along the way. So why not go with the format that affords the most fun for the most folks, the reason the Tour was created in the first place.
The 36-team format keeps more managers in the mix longer, helps the tourney by increasing interest and participation, and helps TSN sell more tickets to keep things going.
It gives a top seed better odds of making the finals by winning his division/wildcard, but also gives more managers a shot. Gives a dozen managers who might be better than their seeds a last chance to prove it, and requires all finalists to first make the playoffs (not finish 5th or 6th) against Semis competition.
And seems like the most fun for the most folks. A win-win all around.