[Kevin Sevcik]

How about this scenario then. The weaker #1 seed approaches the other high power teams in the top 8 and tells them it looks like they'll be pursuing a scorched earth strategy. The #1 seed pick whichever top 8 powerhouse seems most likely and suggests they team up and use the scorched earth strategy to weaken all the other alliances. It's pretty similar, except you're pressuring one of those other top 8 teams to accept, because if they don't, you're gonna break up their chances at a powerhouse alliance anyways.

I think the most logical way this would go is #1 picks 3-8 expecting declines, then turns to #2. At which point, #1 is basically declaring it's a better option than whoever's left outside of the top 8. Or you plan on #7 or #8 being your "dare ya" pick, suggesting that #1 is a better option than who is left by the 8th pick.

Anyways, just a random thought on a different scenario. I think it'd still be perfectly legal and acceptable. I also think it's unlikely this year, as there's going to be enough strength scattered through the rankings that even a #8 seed would probably prefer its odds on making its own picks in a scorched earth Elims.