There were a lot of
different ideas thrown around and a lot of discussion as to what the league would look like when it was originally forming.
Other tournaments such as
GokoDom and
f.ds Championships have all been organized as well that are different formats than the league.
In the end it is really a matter of organization and interest. Running a large-scale tournament or league takes a lot of time and effort (Kirian, Stef, and others can attest to that), and so those types of tournaments happen infrequently.
But basically, yes. Tournaments have been run in a bracket style tourney before. Having each division leader do a playoff was discussed at one point I think, but rejected. I don't remember the reason exactly but I agree with not running a system like that. In my opinion it would cause way too much delay starting the next season.