It seems that each year one or more conferences change their playoff structure as well as the final playoffs. They recently eliminated the final consolation game (too bad, fans that traveled do want to see their team play even if for 3rd place). Part of the problem seems to be the growth of the number of Div I teams. In the West about 20 yrs ago there was one league with about 10-12 teams. I agree that ECAC teams have surprised in playoffs. About 10 years.ago Providence when to the finals without much expectations. Part of the problem in rating conferences is the lack of non-conference games. This could be resolved by eliminating some conference games. I know it would eliminate some rivalries, but the teams eliminated could be rotated execpt for a designated couple that would always be scheduled. Basketball gives a weight to a conferences previous conference playoff success in determining the number of representative from each. Also - fan support is factored in for financial reasons, but that is another story. I don't really like a single game elimination but it seems to work in football. The bottom line is, there can't be a perfect solution with the limited number of games allowed both in the regular schedule and the playoffs. We could just eliminate the playoffs and average the polls. William Krebs