(For reference, here's how the top cut would work in a nine round, maximum 512 person event:
1 9-0
9 8-1
36 7-2
49 6-3
21 5-4
Everyone else: 5-4, worse, or drop
# of 7-2's that miss: 14
With that in mind, here's my opinion...
RE Top 64: I love it, but tough to say if POP does. In addition to giving Americans a huge opportunity at points that other areas otherwise wouldn't have (Mexican/Canadian affirmative action), they've said time and time again that they would not do this. I'm holding out for the day they do, though, because big cuts are fun, and bring tons of credibility/prestige to the game (e.g. "WOW! Look at all those people!").
Here's how a top 64 would work, given the aforementioned approximation:
# of 7-2's that miss: ZERO
# of 6-3's that miss: 31
So basically, if you only lose two games at nationals, then you are rewarded with a top cut appearance. If you lost three and had good resistance, then it's your lucky day, because your schedule was tough...And if you didn't have good resistance as a 6-3? Well, then you didn't deserve to cut anyways.
RE 10th Round: once again, I am a huge advocate of the tenth round. While it might also complicate rating/ranking issues with Mexico and Canada, here's how things would (ideally) break down with a 10th round:::
1 10-0
4 9-1
23 8-2
4 7-3
Tons of 7-3's miss
OR...
6 9-1
22 8-2
4 7-3
Tons of 7-3's miss
Once again, nobody who lost two games is robbed of a top cut showing; however, unlike the top 64 -which is quite generous to three loss individuals- a tenth round would only recognize the absolute most deserving 7-3's of the day. If you are one of these four individuals, then you had an extraordinarily tough schedule, so go you!
