What hasn't been mentioned is the mindset that a guaranteed berth fosters. Yes, the tournament is one of Champions + Host Team, but that host team has to at least make an effort to be somewhat on equal terms with the Champs. Tanking it at the earliest possible opportunity just doesn't seem to fulfil that obligation, but when one looks at that "big picture".....that one that provides that viewpoint that hey, we absolutely CAN do this, because it's within the rules ! A backdoor entry can be justified as being respectable. I'm older, and make no appology for my expecation of coming by achievements "honourably". I can remember not so long ago, that a bankruptcy or a divorce had a certain stigma attached to them. Not so much these days, so a less -than-honourable achievement has been elevated in stature, in some people's eyes. Apparently a trophy with a slight bit of tarnish on it, is quite acceptable, and so is the cash generated by this tournament.