There is a third possibility,
I believe another user briefly brought it up in another forum.
If we have two problems:
A) Time to build VS
B) Knowing the top 8
We could consider running the top 8, but then allowing another 2 weeks for finalists to refine their entries.
This would also raise the level of entries we have this year.
As if everyone knows their definitely going they might just push in deep.
Neither of the above cases has much impact on me.
But it is true that we essentially would only have 1 week to integrate Territory.
Which is fine.
BUT… If your week is swamped…
Considering theres still engine breaking bots,
There is a case where some contestants will only have a weekend to work on territory.
**I personally dont feel territory has enough weight to alter the top 8 players much.
My event 2 entry that placed 5th didnt even beat my event 1 entry.
But thats because I completely misunderstood how the status Modifiers worked.
Anyways.
I would say given the overall situation.
It could be viable to establish the top 8 early, Leave a window for refinements as well.
Im working on the condensed visualiser now.
It seems my version cannot handle a 4V4 in a serious matchup anymore.
So I have to work on the condensed logs.
My plans for today is to finalize that visualiser and add the 2 buildings for the last event.
I already know what I want to do for territory.
And it does not alter my existing strategy much, I just need to hook it into my Unit Allocations and things should be awesome.
Territory is a dangerous game / balance.
Anyways, just my thoughts.
If we have two contrasting issues.
Why not try and satisfy both sides.