[xzins]

Those division winners having more or fewer games won could be argued on the basis of strength of their division.

But, if a second place team can’t win against their division first place team after all those games, then why should they get another shot at it?

Let’s make the season count. That will be a disincentive for lackadaisical play and a reward for trying harder.

[dfwgator]

The bottom line is, which approach puts more butts in seats?

[Jim from C-Town]

Regardless of why, the increase in the playoffs adds more interest and more revenue to the game. That is makes the game more popular.