I will simply make two points regarding
single-elimination playoffs.
(1) One of the major
disadvantages to switching formats is that it requires that the
playoffs be significantly lengthened (16-team double-elim
would require 7 or 8 rounds), or that the number of
teams qualifying be drastically reduced. Regardless of
the likelihood of upsets, the simple fact remains
that single-elim playoffs ARE the most *efficient* way
to decide a tournament.
(2) A lot of people
have complained about how much single-elim playoffs
suck. I have brought this question up a number of times
in the chat room. Most people, believe it or not,
have said that we should NOT drop single-elim
playoffs.