I know this only closely parallels the original question, but I think its important for guys to at least think about this.
There is virtually zero reason to close waivers, for any team , championship bound or not.
(Now, if the entire league votes for a specific set of circumstances or rules, then abide by that accordingly, of course...but I'm saying generally)
I understand someone saying "that team is out of it, why should he be allowed to get a player that may help me??" BUT THATS A SHORTSIGHTED SELF CENTERED POINT OF VIEW. Put yourself in the losers shoes, that guy paid his cash to start the season just like you did. He wants to get his fantasy experience just like you do when you are making a playoff run. Even if many guys don't pay as much attention, you can't rob the guy who is trying to win as many games as he can, even in a lost season. Who are you to say "you are out of it, you can't make any more moves"?
Its no difference if a team is 1-7 in week 8 is it? He won't be making the playoffs, are we going to rob him of making moves trying to win as well? Where do we draw the line if thats the case? In week 4 when his team is dilapidated and injury riddled? (and it looks like he has no chance then as well) Can he not make moves then too?
Think long term. Some guys want to get the full fantasy experience, and even if they are out of the winners bracket, they still try and win every game and improve their overall records long term.
At the end of the day, I would rather notch yet another win to my overall fantasy record.....and yes I'm that serious about it. I don't want to lose a game EVER, NEVER. I try and win them all. I don't care if I'm out of it. (sure I might not spend as much time agonizing over a lineup decision, but you can bet your ### I am trying to put my best team out there) I want to win every ####### game I can, period, end of story. If its the difference of me going 5-8 or 4-9, so what, I am trying to win them all. You cannot rob me of that opportunity, I paid my cash to start the season like everyone else. I take pride in my overall win/loss record, and so should you all. Try to be the best manager you can be, even in a lost season.
Not only that, here is another ironclad reason to allow roster moves FOR ALL TEAMS , not just the "contending teams".
SIDE BETS - Many guys in my leagues like to talk smack/$hit, and also bet on the side in their matchups, even if they can't win the championship. Let them have a chance to make the best team they can.
Its nothing for guys to bet $50 or $100 on their individual matchups in many of my leagues, even in small leagues where the winner might only get $350-$550. In fact I have standing wagers with guys in my leagues, an "open bet" if they want. Sight unseen, no roster questions. At the start of the season, I tell them all if they want to bet $50 per game against me, they have a bet. Period. Long term I am well ahead on these, and most don't take it except 1-2 of the more knowledgeable guys.
Let the waivers run as they should all season. Playing the waiver wire game, is every bit as important in week 16 , just like it is all the way through the season. Play and plan for it accordingly. If you don't consider the end-of-season ramifications all along, then you aren't taking everything into consideration. Thats on you as a fantasy owner.
TZM