I understand with my mind that the rules are optimal, that you can never please everyone, and that there will always be exceptions. Especially when it comes to a game where you can lose because of three morale points in a max-con... and who cares who withdraws and agrees on a draw:)
But I agree with The_ that withdrawals from the tournament should be more strictly regulated.
The most optimal thing would be for withdrawals not to affect the standings at all, but this is only possible if we implement something like what I suggested recently: /topic/at/741977/

And within the framework of the Novice Tournament, I dare to suggest a new scheme:
All participants are not divided into groups in any way, but each has the right to 5 games. You choose your opponent yourself, but you can play against the same one only once. Whoever is lagging behind chooses from those remaining; whoever withdrew doesn't matter at all.