I used to think the exact same thing, but now look at it a different way. In a 3 team playoff for place/show like you describe - each team knows that if you win the first point you play then you are in the money. If you win 2 in a row you get the place. That is true for each of the 3 teams. But I do see what you are saying, and your method seems more 'fair'....but I think the idea is since it is a playoff they want it to end quickly.
