Hmm, 16 teams.  Figuring that they give the MAAC one bid, that leaves 15
bids to be split between 4 conferences (for a while at least).  You know,
that would probably alleviate many people's bitches about the current
process.
 
(1)  The byes disappear and good riddance!
 
(2)  The RS bid rule doesn't bother people so much.  After all, a team that
finishes first in the RS in a major conference may only be 80 percent
certain to be in the top 12, but it'll be 90 percent certain to be in the
top 15.  (In any case, "that much more likely...")
 
(3)  The 2 team minimum rule will basically cease to exist.  During most
years, the battle won't be for placing a third but a *fourth* team in the
tourny.
 
(4)  There is no (4).
 
(5)  Regional Final tournies which produce a WINNER will be much more
exciting.  Brackets:  1e,8w,4w,5e; 1w,8e,4e,5w; 2e,7w,3w,6e; 2w,7e,3e,6w.
Not that the top seeds in each region will be playing teams which currently
do not even make the tournament (or surprise PS winners) -- so their
advantage is preserved without being artifical.
 
My suggestion is that the regionals be hosted by 4 of the 5 conferences and
be rotated each year.
 
(6)  Seeding will be easier.  Keep the seed proportionate to the PWR
whenever possible, and spread the teams around so that conference opponents
only go to the same regional if that conference has 5+ reps.  Jiggle for
attendance if you must.  Be sure that the #1 seeds from each region play in
their conference's hosted regional if it is not the conference's "off
year".
 
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