[82lsju]

Is the goal of the Playoffs "merit", 
or -- whether NFL or NCAA -- more eyeballs (more cities), more money? 

More opportunities for some Cinderella -- George Mason in 2004, or some double digit seed to the Final Four. ?  
ESPN wants money -- so is that a Battle of perennial Titans in the finale, or some Underdog streaming through the Tourney with some buzzer beater upsets? 
One Shining Moment, or Shovelfuls of cash?

for TV it is money (and for the colleges too) which is why I think the playoffs will expand.  And while Cinderellas in March Madness are a nice story I'm not convinced they actually materially increase TV ratings.

[82lsju]

Is the goal of the Playoffs "merit", 
or -- whether NFL or NCAA -- more eyeballs (more cities), more money? 

More opportunities for some Cinderella -- George Mason in 2004, or some double digit seed to the Final Four. ?  
ESPN wants money -- so is that a Battle of perennial Titans in the finale, or some Underdog streaming through the Tourney with some buzzer beater upsets? 
One Shining Moment, or Shovelfuls of cash?

for TV it is money (and for the colleges too) which is why I think the playoffs will expand.  And while Cinderellas in March Madness are a nice story I'm not convinced they actually materially increase TV ratings.