SoY-5: Online Tournaments "Seasons of year" - "Seasons" - Spring Season 2009

I don't want to offend anyone, but in options 1 and 2, three players advance from each group: two are roughly equal in skill, and one is weaker. The stronger players will likely win against the weaker player in their group, and the match between the two stronger players will determine who advances to the next round. So, there shouldn't be too many extra matches. Overall, keeping 8 rounds would be interesting to see which player with which faction reaches the final.
P.S. I also want to participate in the tournament.