diogenes: actually... it is [or should be], very similar to the way "Super Size HYPER Elimination---volume 1 (Hyper Backgammon)" was set up in the first round...
players are seeded as ranked... highest bkr to lowest- unrated [with unrated playing each other]
split the field in half with number one playing the best of the worst...
in the second round winners [unrated players are given provisional] are ranked above draws- split the field... etcetera... 'random' invites criticism... order begats order;]