John,
What are you trying to say? Just because the playoffs that you are speaking about worked out numbers wise, it is OK? You are giving examples that just aren't going to happen a lot. Let's say you are playing a 460 yard-par four with a lot of trouble going on by the green that you can't see from the tee. The playoff is 13 for 7 spots, you think par is a lock, right? Well, it isn't if 3 of the first 4 make birdie. It is never a lock, unless you know what is going on. It is a PLAYOFF, every person should have the same opportunity. When you send guys out in different groups you are changing the dynamics of the playoff. In a 13 for 7, player 5 gets to see player one hit in it the water of the tee, player one gets to see nothing. This is changing the dynamic of the playoff, when you get into a playoff, you are equal with the other person and no advantage or disadvantage should be give. Whether they are advantages or not, depends on the individual, but they are changes and that is what is criminal. If you play 7 in the same group, how can someone take exception to that? Playing them in different groups brings different elements into play and seeing it first hand was an awful, awful sight.