I did a study on this a few years ago. It has to be in the archives some place on here.
I looked at the top 32 of the state and compared it to the 8/region format. The records of those teams who 'lost out' and did not make the playoffs in the current format (8/region) compared to taking the top 32 across the state was unimpressive and not as prevalent as some may think.
The point of regions, in all the sports, is for teams of like areas to compete with one another to move onto the next level.
That is especially important in High School Athletics because of the regular season you typically play teams from a small area due to travel and your conferences. You are comparing like areas with like areas.
To compare a rural area school with very limited options for scheduling to a more populated area and the size of schools they can play leaves some areas at a disadvantage.
Plus....F the travel.
I know this is about football, but why not seed baseball and hoops statewide instead or by districts?
Because those who vote only typically have situational awareness of those in your area from either playing them, seeing them on film while scouting an opponent, etc. Schools out of your area those voters would only know by the record and reputation.
Keep the regions as they are. Horse is out of the barn so we arent going back from 16 teams so we just have to accept that portion.