I like some of the arguments pro Cup and must admit that I basically like that tournament. I have written down some thoughts, not necessarily complete.
From a limited financial analysis there is little doubt that in Cup versus Training the Training will pay out better.
But lets make it a bit more complicated:
1) for some teams liquidity (in spite of value creation) can be highly attractive. Never forget liquidity when building up something.
2) the TIE-opportunity can be important for the division.
3) the Fan-effect can be (financially!) helpful.
For the two latter arguments one must consider that the choreography of Cup and Division might be of importance. I will use my team as an example. For the time being in the season I had mainly the order AWAY-CUP-HOME etc... Being new to my division I was concentrating on winning home games. Now for that the Cup has been wonderful and worth some investments: I can basically: TIE away-games -> normal the Cup -> have high attendance + reasonable Team Spirit at home and do it over again. Of course this is added by the first Cup Rounds where one can hope to TIE as well. So Cup is a TIE enabler - and well understood not only for Cup Games.
4) Learning. I think matches versus different - and sometimes superior - teams give a wonderful opportunity to rethink strategy. Especially playing higher division teams or very ambitious teams - like promoting to a higher level - keep your brain busy. I consider these challenges to be very important, seriously.
Last edited by Pallu at 9/26/2008 6:53:31 PM