What if qualifying for nationals changed?
What if a win at conference meant automatic qualifying for nationals? Are there any conferences that don't deserve this? That would be 10 automatic qualifiers.
Everyone else would go to regional meet, where the top 2 teams advance to nationals. That would be the next 16 qualifiers.
For the remaining 6 slots would be at large bids, using the same process as is already in place.
The process would be the same for individuals.
Pros: The conference meet suddenly becomes extremely meaningful, especially in a conference where there are multiple top ten teams. Getting a bye before nationals would be huge, and it would be worth it to not sandbag the conference meet.
Cons: some teams would get a bye. Also a champion from a weak conference could make it to nationals. This could potentially take a spot from a more deserving, more qualified team.