Additionally, as stated above, byes HURT your opponents' Opp-Win% once you lose a match, thus indirectly helping your chances if it comes down to the tiebreaker.PokePop said:There were long, long arguments about this back when WotC awarded Byes to top ranked players participating in Super Trainer Showdowns.
Bottom line: They took the byes. A definite win was better than a first turn donking via bad matchup was the general consensus.