Agree with those that say this format doesn't mean we should expect lots of upsets between players of very different skill levels. I also agree in principle that the cream will rise to the top in any format over time in pro pool, for history has proven this time and time again.
It is in matchups of similarly skilled players that I don't like this format. Ten ball is a test of skills in breaking, offensive shot selection, offensive shot execution, defensive shot selection, defensive shot execution, and general tactical play. Why should a match be decided by a test in just one of these six foundational skills (offensive execution)? Two players may have exactly equal skills on balance, but the better ball pocketer becomes the favorite in this format, in which equally matched players will reach a tiebreaker about half the time. That's not as it should be. A race to two tiebreaker (lag for break, alternate break) in ten ball would continue to test all the skills of the players while offering a similarly dramatic finish.
It seems simple enough. A ten ball tourney should be decided by playing ten ball. Spot shot contests are great at carnivals, but not so much at pro events.