I like the idea of forcing bubble teams from major conferences to do the play-in game.

Basketball aint what it used to be, there is lots of parity.  I am a dedicated UNC fan and I still think it's absolutely great for the game to facilitate mid-major gains so that there is more excitement in the Tourney.  Mid-majors have quite simply earned a chance to shine.  Schools like Arkansas ans Florida State and Illinois srart out with every possible advantage in terms of dollars, recruiting name brand power, scheduling possibilities etc.

That's the problem is that we can't have conversations like this unless everyone is willing to put loyalty to their own conferences, regions, and even individual teams aside and think about what is good for the game.  

Defining "also ran", of course, is infinitely tricky.  Arizona for example has so much ability it's scary, and it's no stretch to imagine Georgia Tech making the Elite Eight.  So one must be careful. And for the most part I think the committee is careful, and does a good job.  

Over the next couple of yuears I predict we're going to see a trend more and more towards avoiding loading up on middle of the pack teams from major conferences, whatever the conference, because such practices are being revealed as not good for the game.  

(And of course, you may be right about UNC.  They have gobs of talent, maybe the most talent, and I love them but they may also be the laziest great team in the field.  Well, either them or Wisconsin anyway.