I posted this same concept last year and still stand by it. I liked the old top 5 system as this meant to win the grand final you had to beat every team above you in the comp, therefore the higher you finished the better. However the muppets from sky like to think that we need more teams in the playoffs so how about

Mid week Fixture
4v7
5v6
Loosers eliminted

Week 1
Winner of midweek fixture play each other (looser elminated winner to week 2 call this team A)
2v3
1 has weekend off

Week 2
looser of 2v3 V team A (loser eliminated winner to week 3)
Winner of 2v3 V 1( winner to grand final loser to week 3)

Week 3
see teams above winner to grand final

I apreciate that winning teams from 4,5,6,7 all have to back up but they will be only backing up against other teams that played midweek and should also have a penalty for finishing lower.
this system also rewards the team finishing top as it will only need to win one game to reach the grand final.

That is a great idea and would generate better crowds - however that is too easy for the RFL to take in.
The only problem I could see with it though is - what if teams fail to make the playoffs, fans would be mad at the thought of paying £20 extra for nothing. Although perhaps they could use it to attend another teams playoff games.

Put in it the season ticket, if they fail to make it give them a voucher for money off next seasons shirt.

Good idea, that or simply take the price of the next seasons ticket.

Something needs to be done as I think its unfair to expect fans to shell out for possibly 3 play off matches on the trot, then a grand final. Its getting embarrassing how sky build upto the play offs all year and then when it comes down to it, the matches are being played infront of smaller crowds than the regular season.

Cant look good to a new viewer can it?

This is a flawed argument as it is a comparison/ decision very few people will have to make. The fact that it costs £46 to go and watch Man Utd won't affect my decision to attend the play off match or not. If the prices were the same I'd still choose Rugby. Football clubs offer similar arguments to justify their prices by comparing them to West End Theater prices or opera prices, but the products aren't really comparable.
I can't imagine there is a single poster on here who thinks PL football represents better VFM than RL.
The fact is most people pay for their RL upfront with a season ticket. Wigan fans had to shell out for a semi final and final within the same month. Wigan will almost certainly be playing saints again in 2 weeks. Wigan fans will be hoping to be going to Old Trafford in 3 weeks time. Tough decisions to make, but then these are tough times we live in. The stupid format, the cost and all games on TV will not lead to big attendances.

I would say to fans who's teams didn't make the playoffs that they get £20 off next years season ticket-you're renewing your fanbase then by enticing them into buying another season ticket.