So you also hate basketball, baseball, track, wrestling, cross country, soccer and every other sport playoffs?
This is not a participation bull as I hate the participation trophy attitude as much as anyone. What it does is remove the argument of who should make it. In the end no one can argue that the best team didn't get in. Or hey if you want to make it tough take only district winners.
I don't understand how people complain that the playoffs need to be special when the playoffs are post season football. Districts in other sports are post season activities and everyone makes it.
You want an issue with participation how about the state giving medals and banners and trophies to teams that simply make the playoffs.