The Conference format makes sense from some perspectives but it does make it hard to get a read on where various teams are at.
Once you move to knockout you could get some very one sided games between teams that look even on paper.
I don't think it has really helped in the Pro14. It would have been better with a straight league format where everyone plays each other home and away.

the conf system in s15 make things more difficult than Pro14 two conf much easier. Good for sa to see Chertahs will play in the QF and talks are Sharks will be pulling out of S15 and join Pro14 in 2020 where they have a bigger supporter base and Pro14 expanded to Pro16

love watching Gelant play. hattrick against the Sharks from 15 sheer class
big away win for bulls over Sharks
Comparing conf Sharks lost to Hurricanes by 1 while Bulls beat the Hurricanes

It’s a bit shit tbh, the best teams don’t make the playoffs. It was created to give the aussies and meat eaters a better chance at getting into the playoffs, as it’s good for viewers and money. Purely a financial decision.