Seeker,
I like most of your ideas... But I think informal is better.
We'll host it, and if a squad shows & wants to fly together - let them.
If single pilots show and want to join, plug them into a group.
Four sounds about right, is definitely the most we need.
Registration is a bad thing... Simply because it means we'd have to spend time planning and if one didn't show, we'd have to plan it all over again while the players wait.
I think that as teams log in, we assign them numbers and then use their numbers like seeds in a sports bracket system to host a double elimination tournament, round robin, or a free-for-all. Setting needs to be as the community dictates. (ie #1 plays #20 of 20, #2 plays #19 of 20, etc...)
As far as how frequently we host it, let the community decide that too. I'm thinking 5 teams = worth doing again; 7 = do it again in 2 months, and 10 = run it again next month.
We'd also need a unique name... & an afternoon to host it on. This one needs to as neutral to time-zones as possible. I'm thinking noon or so on a Saturday or Sunday EST. It should allow ALL US and EUROs to join together. Granted, there will be NO perfect time, but this will probably fit the customer base the best.
I HATE IMPOSED RULES!!!!
Good competition, as few rules as possible = the most fun!, which needs to be the #1 goal!
Also, we have a third intersted CM, WT wants in too!