I agree simplicity is the bulwark. But when it comes to the playoffs
https://youtu.be/s2R2sH2ScBM things turn a little wonky. Now my examples are ancient but I doubt there has been a change. In season 19 I was in IV.39 and finished first on my side, the #2 from the other side was my finals opponent. Now yes he did have a better record, and for what it was worth he beat me during the season, but even then I found it bollocks he was given HCA. Though in the end it made no difference as I swept him in straight sets. However I found in my research that for a relegation series HCA goes to whomever finished higher in the standings for their conference regardless of record.