best poker tournament if you want to actually final table

making a final table is a whole different thing than just getting a cash, totally get that. everybody says to play the smallest local event or daily, but honestly, sometimes those games play tougher than the big ones. in vegas or big poker rooms, even a low buy-in will have people who live and breathe the game, mixed with the tourists. so it's a toss up whether it's "easier" or just different.

the small casino tourneys with rebuys seem juicy, but the wild play early can kill any edge. and online, i swear the fields are filled with players you never see make mistakes, or it's pure bingo with short stacks shoving any two. i don't know if the best shot is a mid-size field live where people get nervous close to the bubble. has anyone tracked how many final tables they make in different types of events, or is it really just about volume?