there's no doubt I made a mistake
It's not so obvious to me about the enthusiasm. I mean, when you start PO as #1, your goal is to go the furthest and so you must take some little risks like that. I don't think it happens regularly that a team playing 4 PCT out of 5 possible (above all when it is not THE team to beat) lifts the trophy. Niels surely does not aim to come back in BBBL this season but played as he should to go through one more round.
The proof is that warriorground should now easily qualify.
It's another topic but I am part of throwing away PO attitude to avoid these kind of scenarii (even if equal enthusiasm would have given a very close game).