This was done to ensure that the group stage had some significance and that there was an incentive to finish in 1st place in the group.
Apparently, I didn't explain it clearly: The final game starts with a score of 1-0 for the winner from the winners' bracket, which is a significant advantage. I've already made up for my 2nd place in the group, and even more than that:D.
Зима 2011-12.