I think it's a GREAT reward.


The current playoff is set up beautifully

There's a very strong incentive to win your conference (bye)

There's a very strong incentive to finish top 8 (host)

There's a very strong incentive to finish top 12 (make playoff)

Furthermore, the more objectivity in the system, the better. Having the top 4 champs get a bye means the committee can't give those to SEC and B1G teams every year and then say "SEE!? So many P2 teams make the semis!"