The original POs had a version of that where 3rd bottom was in POs with 3rd. 4th 5th. The German version doesnt get round problem of having meaningless games for even more teams at end of season.
Rewind 12/13 & 13/14; would you feel same? I was against the POs originally but now accept they do keep interest going. This season is exceptional in that top 6 are known with two games to spare, but it is rarely like that.
Not keen on the 6th plays 5th etc route for reasons stated on here...