[CTcard]

The only way to actually do this in a sensible manner is to create a computer system and let it run, but because that results in things people don't like (ie not a simple "sort by number of losses" system) the only people who look at them are nerds.

The other thing to do is acknowledge that rankings are not, and cannot, be perfect. Use them if you find them fun or interesting, otherwise ignore.

Computer codes do have objectivity, but have several issues of their own - beyond the issue that sometimes folks in charge simply don't like their answers (which I agree is part of the issue).

First of all, there is no universal agreement about what should go into the algorithms that would rank the teams. If you look at the collection of computer rankings, they are all over the map - particularly early on but still tons of variation after 12 games.

Secondly, just about any particular algorithm can be gamed. We all talk about it from time to time. Set up the schedule just right, choose to send in your backups or not, etc., etc.

There's no perfection.

[CTcard]

The only way to actually do this in a sensible manner is to create a computer system and let it run, but because that results in things people don't like (ie not a simple "sort by number of losses" system) the only people who look at them are nerds.

The other thing to do is acknowledge that rankings are not, and cannot, be perfect. Use them if you find them fun or interesting, otherwise ignore.

Computer codes do have objectivity, but have several issues of their own - beyond the issue that sometimes folks in charge simply don't like their answers (which I agree is part of the issue).

First of all, there is no universal agreement about what should go into the algorithms that would rank the teams. If you look at the collection of computer rankings, they are all over the map - particularly early on but still tons of variation after 12 games.

Secondly, just about any particular algorithm can be gamed. We all talk about it from time to time. Set up the schedule just right, choose to send in your backups or not, etc., etc.

There's no perfection.