SAINT_MICHAEL

Werll, let me think about it I don't know about your percentages (and I'm guessing you don't know either how much percentage a ref's paycheck was affected by your example), but to refs who work jobs outside of the NFL, I doubt it is meaningless. If Favre wins a SB under the Vikes, then many more jerseys, hats, and T shirts get sold than if the Saints win the SB. Not to mention if the Vikes reach the SB rather than the Saints, the TV ratings would be higher by a few points easily nationwide, not to mention world wide. That means multi millions more from TV advertisers. Don't kid yourself into thinking those dollars don't matter. No, it may not mean an extra few bucks in the pocket of the refs next week, but it may mean a few mill in the ref's contract renewal when it comes up. That is not insignificant to them. they are a union. unions do what is best for them as a whole, not what is best for the individual.
You THINK about it. How else do you explain the multiple BS calls over the years that have given multiple SB victories to the Cowboys, Steelers, and Pats and have shafted the Seahawks, Saints and Cards? Akam's razor. It is more likely that all these calls went for the darling money makers of the league because of profit rather than because of human error. Otherwise it would be closer to a 50-50 split. They look at the big picture (unlike you do with your example), so no, it is not "I get $50 bucks if I throw this flag". They know in the end who it behooves them to have win. Tell me this. How often have you heard someone say the NFL wants this big name team vs this big name team in the SB (read this thread to see many examples). We all have. Most of the time it does not happen but we all heard it. Yet no one hints they want Atl vs Cleveland...or Detroit vs Jacksonville...or Saints vs KC. Why? It is because even a moron knows they really don't want those matchups! Those SBs would be a TV viewing nightmare resulting in multi million dollar losses for the league. Wich means losses for the refs down the line (I.E. Union contarcts). If you don't see this, then oh, well.
All I know is, Go Saints! Because when we do get over this hump and win despite these obsticles I believe exist, it will be even more sweet!