Addendum from the coach who previously supplied some thoughts on this matter:
Forgot one item in my previous email.
Simplest 1st step and a compromise to changing from Pre-determined slots to seeding:
keep regional allotments
seed 1st place regional finishers in seeded spots #1 - 4 (if
there are four regional winner spots)
then seed all 2nd place finishers #5 - 8, 3rd # 9-12, 4th - wild-card #13 - 16
Keeps integrity of what is already in place, but does allow for some "power" adjustment.
Does probably increase travel.
Almost any seeding criteria/priority will work.
