[GSL] “A New Year” - 2011 Preview - Page 5

well the matches aren't randomly chosen. the system for the GSL had was that the top 8 seeded players would be placed into the separate group. then the rest of the Code S players would draw. and the 3 out of that would be placed into the match depending on their rank and go as 1st vs 3rd and 2nd vs 4th. So MC(3) would go against Nada(20). while Inca(13) would go against SanZenith(27). (so its actually MC v Nada and Inca vs San)

but lets use your example. If MC was the 1st seed and Zenith was the 3rd, and Nada was the 2nd and Inca was the 4th. Then Nada would get two chances at beating San because since Nada is the 2nd highest seed. so then it would be either:
MC 2:0 Nada 2:0 Zenith 0:2 Inca 0:2 or MC 2:0 Nada 1:0 Zenith 0:1 and Inca 0:2.
so zenith would have to take two games to advance, making him 2:1 and nada 1:2. but if
Nada won then that would make him 2:0. Nada would then have to face MC to break the tie.

its a system that protects that highest rank player which alot of people say its fair and i agree.. Nada wouldn't need to face off against the 1st seeded player if he beats out the bottom two and the 3rd seeded player shouldn't have to take only one game to advance.
it just doesn't seem fair but it works. if MC beats the 3rd and 4th ranked player then he should stay where he is at. Nada might not have to face off against MC but if he beats out the 3rd and 4th ranked player then that shows the 3rd and 4th ranked players are where they are at accordingly.
It makes perfect sense if you think about in terms of long term consistencies and rankings in such. as a separate event on its own. it doesn't seem that fair. but that's why GOM had 3 opens