I usually go with a 3 man rotation, prior to the game i also usually will tandem my starter with the best available 100% pitcher, relief or starter, giving preference to a pitcher who throws with the opposite hand as the starter...

i also like to drop an arm or 2 and substitute a position player(s)

Agreed. 3 man rotation, drop your worst reliever from roster and add a position player. I also increase Call Bullpen numbers for all but my best pitchers. I don't care if I burn thruogh my entire staff to win a single game - every game you play in the playoffs is the most important game of the season.

A deer, a female deer...

I just won a WS going with my top 3-4 starters (all right handed) and one of 2 top LH setup guys slotted at Starter 1B. I always had a righty/y combo that was 90+% for every playoff game. I had 10 pitchers on the roster. Could have gone with 9. I also tinker with SB/baserunning aggressiveness settings depending on the opposing catcher/defense. I will use defensive replacements in the 8th inning when at home and the 9th inning on the road. That way you only lose 1 inning of at bats from your best hitters and get 2 full innings of good defense when you're at home.