Not too fussed on the 3rd placed UCL teams should play in the UEL, although probably rather not see it but in some ways it can be good, or can see why it is done. If you move away from this 'failure pish' for a minute I can see some rational with it.
In the Europa group stages we take the 24 best teams, thus getting rid of teams not deemed good enough. the 8 UCL teams joining are of similar or maybe better quality than the UEL, therefore adding to the quality.
In theory the way the quality of the UCL/UEL works out as the 3rd placed UCL teams are of the same quality as many of the existing UEL teams. Look at Benfica. Found it difficult in the UCL but are showing they have the quality for this competition.
It is great for teams lower down in the European pecking order (Such as Cluj or Viktoria Plzeň) that rightly may deserve their champions league place for winning their league, but clearly will struggle and if they finish 3rd they go into the '2nd tier' competition and have a chance to compete with teams potentially at their level. It's a great platform for nations outside tier 1. Chelsea are maybe being picked on a bit more, as they shouldn't be in it because they should be qualifying for the knock-out stages of the UCL, but that's where things are. For me the UEL is better for having Chelsea and Benfica in many respects. Great quality in the last four of both competitions this season.
Similarly I think UCL drop outs in the August qualifiers for me for the same reasons above should get their chance at the 'second tier' and potentially 'their level' of opposition.
This 'reward for failure' thing for me isn't how i look at it. If you are a club like Cluj, Celtic or BATE for example it is a failure if you don't qualify for the UCL in August. Lot of money is potentially lost, and chance to play with heavy-weight clubs. The Europa for some of these clubs isn't a 'reward' at all really, but these clubs carry on with the same passion/support from fans in the Europa League playing some very strong teams and teams of their own level.
My opinion there. Respect yours Stevvy, just trying to work through this rationally from my perspective at it, although wouldn't be bothered if they turned round tmw and said they were scraping the 3rd place UCL thing! I do agree semi-finals at Wembley/Hampden is stupid though. FINAL ONLY! Use two neutral grounds for Semi's.