To address the question on the first page;
I much prefer double elimination. I would say if time restrictions were weighing down, if anything make it 1/1 double elim, as that allows players a slight margin of error, and no one is at a complete loss for having a tough first opponent.
If given the choice, however, I'd say 2/3 double elim, as it is now. I think that works great, but of course it does take time. I'm just the type to say "I showed up for this tournament, I'm fine with it lasting a while"
Obviously actually running it, there are different complications with time, and etc.