I got ChatGPT to compile the numbers for me.
Average point differential between 2nd and 3rd, 2nd and 6th & 2nd and 8th over the last 10 seasons.
2nd > 3rd 6.3 points
2nd > 6th 15.4 points
2nd > 8th 19.1 points.
And the average finishing position of the playoff winner was 3.8.
Just get rid of the playoffs or have a 1 game final between 3rd and 4th.