[Jared Russell]

The only way a four-tier system works is if the final tier (where the Super Regional/FIRST "Championship" winners play the last couple matches) is kept to a very small number of teams. It would be cool to send the last 4 alliances to one central location (on FIRST's dime, and on a weekend to avoid missing work/school) to do a polished, professionally-produced, live televised 2 hour "Superbowl"...

Get Al Michaels and Dave Verbrugge to do match commentary. Get Grant Imahara and Erin Andrews to do sideline interviews. Use the lead time to do in-depth exposes on the teams and students involved. Invite VIPs and give them the red carpet treatment in a more intimate, less overwhelming venue than a football stadium with thousands of teams. Have simultaneous live viewing parties around the world hosted by FRC teams, ala kickoff.

I think it could be pretty cool if done right. I'd still prefer to see a District Event -> Super Regional -> World Championship format, but this would make the best of the changes that have seemingly already been finalized.

(Oh, and let teams sign up for a first-come, first-served list for swapping "Championships" if they desire)