Another factor that the MVC and ArchMadness so fun is just the parity in the conference. This isn't the WCC with Gonzaga and SMC running the show or the A10 with Dayton, VCU and St. Louis's bloated budgets or majority of mid-major conference where you could can count on the top 2-4 teams winning it all or at least having a chance to win it.
What makes the MVC so great is you have the "favorite(s)" every year but you have that mushy middle that consist of 4-6 teams that could easily win on a Friday or Saturday. Recently you can even make an argument the bottom 2-3 teams are atleast competitive and are going to be a tough out. At the end of the day the MVC is fun because anyone can beat anyone.
Because of the inherent parity of the league and it's drivability to STL for every conference member that equals pretty good crowds throughout the entire weekend because everyone thinks they "have a chance". If you cater Arch Madness for the top 2 seeds you would see a drastic drop in attendance because that "have a chance" factor will drastically reduce. Once crowds aren't showing up, it loses it's magic and it's tough to get back.
While the product on the floor is important it might be more important to consider the product in the stands. Not engaging fanbases is how you kill a conference
