Why does ESPN even bother with 9 players?

[Paradigm]

9 players in one hour offers us as many as 3 hands heads-up, and no more than the elimination hand for players who don't become a central part of the show. I would have no problem with the final table being 6 players for one hour -- at least that would give us a bit more insight into the play.

Of course, I'll tune in anyways...