I have seen chops only twice where the 1st place received more than the original prize money. In both cases, there were several players remaining and the chip-leader had much more that 50% of the chips in play. All other players were anxious to cash for more that last place money and to go home winners. While I might not use this angle, I cannot fault these guys who saw a bonus opportunity and took it.
IMO, the TD's role here is merely to facilitate the process (ICM, Chip Chop, or other). As Uniden32 says, it's up to the players to agree -
unanimously. It's not a
"the majority rules" situation. Without unanimous agreement, there is no deal and they continue to play it out. (Thus, the opportunity for 1st place bonuses above.)
Unanimous player agreement is required for a chop is not a TDA rule, but it is quite common.
As a TD I won't allow a chop that pays 1st more than 1st.
Brian, what do you do in this situation? The 1st place player refuses a chop unless he gets a bonus. All others agree to give him the bonus. Do you force the 1st place to accept the chop of force the play to continue?