Here goes me rambling because I'm bored and I apologize in advance and please don't take it (too) seriously or bully me, thank you.
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There would be no need for 26 then. My guess is it would go back to 24, like in the 2004-2007 era. In today's terms that would probably mean: the TOP3 (bronze, silver, gold) + the host automatically qualify to the final, the others are divided into semi-finals. However, considering last year's winner is usually the host, we would probably grand the country coming 4th an automatic place in the final too, especially since they've been doing these squares at the end recently with the TOP4 (or at least the last four countries standing) so it would make sense. But also if the winner refuses hosting, 4 countries would get to automatically qualify in this case too. So in both cases, we would have 4 automatic qualifiers, if you get the gist. x) In case the winning country does accept hosting, 4th place would serve as place holder for when it doesn't. Plus it evens it out to a nice 24, lol. 12 countries on each side looks much better than one missing at the bottom on one side. Plus, I don't like the number 23, nah, you can take it away, I don't want it, and that's it.
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As for the monetary situation of the BIG5: What if instead, these so called "TOP4" countries got to operate as the "BIG4" every year and contribute the most money?
NOW - most countries wouldn't be able to afford that, so here's the trick: if they refuse, we go down the scoreboard, and the first 3 countries to confirm their role as the remaining 3 members of the "BIG4", also become the remaining 3 countries of the "TOP4". Meaning that the actual TOP4 has a chance to remain that, but only if they are willing to pay the same amount of money as a BIG4 member would, LMAO. And if none of the finalists accept that role, then 3 of the ex-BIG5 countries jump in and they're automatically in the final with the host.
I know it sounds silly and gruesome and shady as fuck, but most western countries WOULD do it (Sweden and Netherlands in a heartbeat), and Russia, Israel and Azerbaijan as well, of that I'm sure.
A loophole, mind you. A messy one, but definitely one that could lead to the EBU "doing away" with the BIG5, with them, still, potentially, having a chance to reprise their familiar roles. And if it ever were to come to that (them having to reprise their roles (which probably would happen often)), I'm assuming France, Spain and UK would be the chosen 3, considering Italy is generally doing better and frankly doesn't need it, and Germany is honestly just happy to be there and bless their hearts for that. xD
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The ideal (fair) scenario of course would be just the TOP3 + the host (a.k.a. the TOP4) qualifying, regardless of the money, but we have to acknowledge that is highly unlikely, unless the hosting country REALLY covers absolutely everything, lol. (Which, you know, I heard Malta paid for like 3 countries participating (in full) when they were hosting JESC, so maybe not impossible?)
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Amen. Is this what you wanted?
Ok, ok, I'll stop.
Bye.