Is it that the top 4 teams from each conference make it? Is that how it works, and then the top team from the East is seeded first or second, with the same going for the top Western team?
Nope, that's the way it used to be. The playoff system now in use is basically a modified single-table setup. From mlsnet.com: "Both the Eastern and Western Conference Champions will advance to the "first to five point" MLS Cup Playoffs and will be seeded 1 or 2 by virtue of their final standings points totals. In order to complete the eight-team playoff bracket, the remaining six "wild card" teams will be determined by the total number of standings points earned, regardless of Conference."
Ok. That method is at least much better then the top 4 from each cofference. make it. However, the seedings are a joke. The Metrostars shouldn't even be in the playoffs.