Hi guys
Looking forward to the contest. Though I must say, that 50 heads entering with only 16 proceeding to the final (per final) is a pretty steep measure.
I understand you do not want to bother with B-finals etc. As, frankly, players might not bother that much either. However I do like when there is some more competitive pinball to have for players not making the cut. So let me give you the Soren way of making finals for alternates. To me, this is the best way combining extra competitive play. While not taking too long or being too much of a hazzle for the organiser.
For inspiration. Do as you please of course.
The B-final is four players only. The next four on the qualification standings. In this case no. 17-20.
These four players play one round only (like three four-player games, 4-2-1-0). To settle those four positions between them in the tournament result.
So if you have made it this far (17-20 in qual). You can do no worse then no. 20 for the tournament. And have a chance to win up to three positions.
C-finals is the next four (21-24).
D-finals is the next four (25-28).
And so on. As many as you like.
Benefits for this format.
Finals for alternates are finishing up a lot faster with one round only. Especially when the number of games available is not a limiting factor.
It does not matter too much if alternate finals have to wait for games being available (occupied by A-final). As their final do not run late anyway.
Players are secured a decent finish position from strong qualification play. Fair tournament.
Nearly no involvement from the organiser needed once the finals are started.
More competition play for the entry ticket.
Players not bothered with alternate finals and forfeiting are not impacting the overall result too much.