The BCS system will always end up with controversial selections. I agree, it should be scrapped.

I remember New Year's Day bowl games, from my childhood in the 1930s, following the family turkey and pumpkin pie.

Those were the days of clear channel radio, and in New Mexico we were able to listen to the Rosebowl without too much static.
The best west coast team faced a selection from the east or south; it was the top game in our minds and no selection system in the way. Of course the invited team may have had equals, but the invitee seemed to have general approval.