The concept was introduced so Tony could have his champion decided at the final round. Also it was introduced to reward consistency, which is the main reason why Ingall won the championship last season.
Righto, I'm bored, I dropped the worst round for the top 10:
Lowndes = 2378 / 2218
Rick = 2277 / 2053
Winterbottom = 1983 / 1983
Ingall = 1952 / 1892
Whincup = 1880 / 1714
Tander = 1848 / 1848
S. Richards = 1812 / 1762
Bright = 1714 / 1714
Johnson = 1693 / 1693
Dumbrell = 1646 / 1596.
So thats a 165 point buffer between Lowndes and Rick.
Righto, I'm bored, I dropped the worst round for the top 10:
Lowndes = 2378 / 2218
Rick = 2277 / 2053
Winterbottom = 1983 / 1983
Ingall = 1952 / 1892
Whincup = 1880 / 1714
Tander = 1848 / 1848
S. Richards = 1812 / 1762
Bright = 1714 / 1714
Johnson = 1693 / 1693
Dumbrell = 1646 / 1596.
So thats a 165 point buffer between Lowndes and Rick.