You don't need the points system at all for the conference to function fine. Its a gray area where the powers that be, are able to manipulate if they so choose. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesnt.

It would be way cooler IMO to see the last 4 teams battle it out for the last spot ON THE FIELD, but hey thats a pipe dream. Using lower level world finishes to seed the major is how it should be happening.