[Philo-Junius]

That’s an excellent business case for the tie regular season game, but it hinges on the notion that what’s REALLY important is the meta-game, not the game itself.

I think playing each game to a decision is more logically coherent in terms of game theory, if not always the best business theory.

Your mileage may vary.

[razorboy]

I don’t think it’s just a business case. OT is often times not exciting. Ties are a decision, it’s a decision that the two teams on that day were equal.

[1rudeboy]

I think playing each game to a decision is more logically coherent in terms of game theory, if not always the best business theory.

I don't know about that. Let's see: "the two of you played to a draw, so now we flip a coin . . . and the winner of the coinflip will be the overwhelming favorite to win."