re: What is your ideal # of playoff teams?

I like either 6 or 12. With a high ranking giving your team a massive advantage in the form of a bye and or home field advantage.

6 team playoff:

Round 1:
#1 and #2 gets a bye
#6 @ #3
#5 @ #4

Semi-final:
Winners play out how the current playoff is with the bowl locations

Final:
Stays the same

12 team playoff
Round 1:
#1, # 2, #3, #4 gets a bye
#12 @ #5
#11 @ #6
#10 @ #7
#9 @ #8

Round 2:
Winners of round 1 are paired against the top 4 as follows; lowest seed plays highest seed at high seeds stadium

Semi-final:
Winners play out how the current playoff is with the bowl locations

Final:
Stays the same