I agree with the contrived aspect.
On the other hand, I don’t want to see the MLS become like the NASL, which tried to make going to a soccer game like going to an NFL game, complete with cheerleaders.
I stopped watching the MLS in 2001 when they contracted two teams (including my then-beloved Tampa Bay Mutiny) and then had the audacity to not officially recognize them in players profiles the following season when they went with other teams. Along with stating the reduction in teams meant the remaining players in the league would therefore be "better".
I wonder with all their recent expansion what the spin is now?