How can I improve this crazy tournament structure?

[Thomas Newton]

The history of this game is somewhat complex- lets say it grew rather organically amongst beginning players and leave it at that.

Total number of players - Up to 30 or so. Normally no fewer than 15.
Game - NL Holdem
Layout - tables of 5 to 8 players
Starting chips - 50 (all chips are valued at 1 unit regardless of colour)
Blinds - 1/2, 2/4, 4/8, 8/16. Raising in 15 minute levels.
Time Limit - 1 hour.

Tables of no more than 8 players play elimination tables. The top two/three players - either by elimination or size of chipstack after 1 hour - go on to play a final table of 6/8.

The final table plays the same as the elimination tables in all aspects except to last 'man' standing and blinds climb no higher than 8/16.

I'm looking for simple ways to improve this game so that it rewards player skill - I'm sure you can see that it's somewhat of a donkament in its current format.

It currently requires no supervision as players are playing self contained tables that police themselves and no players are being moved, chips are not being carried forward , things like that - I would like to retain these aspects.

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.