It's funny how people, especially players, get locked into only one way of doing things. And yet if you talked with many players, they'd have many different ideas of what that should be. And many different ideas on how to make improvements. Yet, if a TD tries them, then the other players come along and claim that it isn't right. Oh well, usually can't please everyone, especially in the Pool World. Sometimes it helps to step back, relax, and be more open minded and flexible.
Many times the way a tournament is setup depends on the situation and the effects that you (as the tournament director) want to accomplish. However a TD decides to set it up, the main thing is to be consistent and to be clear up front. Many of us have seen TD's that are either unfair or just clueless. Often they don't usually last long. Or in some cases, with these local bar tournaments, they're intentionally unfair in an effort to protect the tournament for their regular customers, against the sharks who never visit the establishment or spend hardly any money there but expect to run away with the bar's money (almost rob it). A bar owner is much more willing to add to the tournament prize fund, if they are confident that regulars are receiving the money, because they know they'll get the money back in the long run, it'll be fun for all, and it'll just be good PR. The perspective of the bar owner should never be overlooked.
Often times players lose sight of the bigger picture. Players get engrossed in the competition of the game, and rightfully so, because it's a basic requirement in order to be successful. But then that can get carried overboard, when the player starts to get locked in on how they think it should be, as if there's no other acceptable alternative.
Double Elimination all the way through can be nice, but it's not a requirement. We're all well versed in its plusses and minuses.
Single Elimination in the finals is also an option. For the player on the winner's side, you may think you don't like it (only because you don't get all the advantages that you get in Double Elimination). But when people look at the negative, they often overlook the positives. For example:
Getting to the finals on the winner's side requires the player to win less matches (with rare exception) than the opponent getting to the finals from the loser's side.
You play against good competition, but on the winner's side, you don't have that pressure from the impending doom of one stupid mistake could knock you out of the whole tournament (which comes up on the loser's side).
Finally, you're already better off than the loser you beat in the semi-final's match. Worst case scenario is 3rd place for him, whereas worst case scenario is 2nd for you. You're guaranteed to be in the finals where you have an inside track to win the grand prize. If you're truly deserving, then simply beat whoever you play in the finals.
So, overall, at no point is it better for you to put yourself into the loser's bracket to gain an advantage.
Benefits of Single Elimination Final (non-player point of view):
Double Elimination format is not a true final. When that game or match is over, the tournament is supposed to be finished.
Some spectators may like to watch a true final match, but it's a disappointment (or confusing) to some (often lurkers unfamiliar with pool), when all of sudden they're starting up again.
TD often hates to have the loser win the first of the finals match. It drags the tournament out, and forces em to stay longer, after they've often been there all day long.
Sometimes the owner's and customer's have tolerated usage of their pool table(s) throughout the tournament, but it's been long enough. Release the tables back to their paying customers...
I know we all like to rant...
Just saying sometimes there are other perspectives, points of views, and opinions, rather than just your own (note: not being accusatory to any specific person(s) here). Being mindful of that will often lessen the unnecessary outrage and even conflict (arguing or fighting) that can sometimes result. After all, isn't it just a game that we all partake in to have fun (even if we're striving for some personal goals).
