@TexRex, I based my pay-out structure upon the standard that a 9 player tournament pays out top 3. From there, I added one pay-out for 18 players, and another one for every 8 players thereafter.
8 players at a table allows you to get rid of the ends. Dealing is easier, and silly as it sounds, I believe it also sharpens the focus of the players. I combine tables when there are nine players remaining. (Everyone likes to have a spot at the final table, even if they don't finish in the money.)
If you have three tables and 19 to 21 players, use all three tables. Why sit 10 or 11 players at one table if avoidable?
One other question I have that may be difficult to answer ~ Does the number of payout places vary with a recreational game vs. a serious game for a home poker tournament?
^ I think this is the nub of your post. To me, yes. The former pays out 25% of the field, the latter no more than 20%. As the host, you have to know where your players fall in that spectrum.
Indications of a recreational tournament:
1) A structure that forces a conclusion to the game. (Ends when there is less than 25BB's left on the table.)
2) The tournament is proceeded by a cash game.
On the subject of pay-out structures: I made it to heads up in a 9 player tournament. Neither of us had a real chip advantage over the other. The button limped in with pocket fives. I raised with AD,4D. He flatted. The flop came 2D,5D,XC. I C-bet. He calls a second time. The turn card: AH. I bet once more, he moves all in. I realized at that moment I likely had the worst hand. I knew this player well. I thought he had a better Ace, two pairs, or in a worse case scenario, connectors for the straight. (I did not place him on a set.) I could not fold because I had committed the bulk of my stack. I called and hit a diamond on the river. I profited $140 as a 3 to 1 dog. He profited $70.
This hand could have occurred as easily in a larger top heavy 18 player event. Thereby, it is reasonable for one to take a friendly view of a flatter pay-out structure which distributes the pay-outs proportionately.
Alternatively to adding a pay-out: Players can create a pool for the bubble boy when they are one elimination away from the money by pulling out of pocket and placing on the table a pre-determined amount in the form of a $5 or $10 bill.
I have only played in one tournament that paid out 30% of the field. A 120BB $25 + $5 bounty, unlimited re-buy, multi table tournament with a $25 optional add-on during the first break. (Fun weekend game. Most of the players were there to have a good time.)