I think I have figured out a fair solution to the debate of CFP selections when it comes to teams that are in and then lose in a conference championship game vs. teams that don’t play in a championship game. You definitely should not be punished for losing a championship game.
The 12 team selection should be based on the CFP poll after the last week of the regular season. The ranking are locked in at the point and the spots are then determined based on the conference championship. That way team that is clearly in it, is still in it even if they happen to lose in the Conference championship and are not penalized for have to play what should be a reward game.
The only way a team gets knocked out is if there is an upset by a team out of the top 12.
Once the conference championships are over you can rank the 12 teams that made the playoffs.
I may not be explaining very well because it is late and I am drunk.
Following my plan, in the attached are the 5 conference champs who would be auto qualifiers are in green. Then the remaining spots in yellow.