It is my opinion that it should be played with Pool A winner playing Pool B winner just like the College World Series which also consists of 8 teams in which two teams from the same pool cannot play for the tournament championship. This is really not a big deal unless people are looking to fight for runner-up trophies. Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I came as close as you possible can to spiking our state runner-up trophy against the wall of the dugout. Not a proud moment to get so close to doing that, but to win these tournaments you have to beat everyone or at least the winners of other pool\games. Survive and advance is the name of the game, the only ones that complain about running into a teams best pitcher creating an unfavorable match-up is the team that lost. The 4 finalist pool option gives a potential team at 1-2 to make the semi-finals and how you choose between two teams that are 1-2 gets a bit weird. I'm a fan of pool play for what it's worth. Takes guessing and the ability for mistakes out of the equation for how the tournament will go. All games for the tournament have set times and the first three have set opponents. I see the double elimination, 4-finalist pool play, and Pool winners versus each other for the championship as good, better, best scenario, but not a huge deal as I see it. Reference previous statement that you have to beat everyone to win these things, format among these options provide clarity around schedule or make it more wait and see who you will play.