Well they aren't having the higher rated player play the lower rated player in a tiebreak game that decides first place. If they did, the higher rated is expected to win, not the lower rated, which is why should get it. Also, they do give out the same medals (two first places) if you have the same score and tiebreak as the other winner. I hope this helps you out :)
Pawn
Hi
I have been playing in several live tournaments, and I love it, it adds a new dimension to a chess stint. This is a great addition to the website! BUT I want to know why we have to have this tiebreak system. Especially over tournaments lasting only a few rounds, this seems arbitrary, and only today I got third in a 3 0 tourney when I got 4/5, the same as the winner and the "2nd" place. At least make tiebreaks favour lower-ranked players, for example, or scrap them and have equal first instead. What's wrong with that?
Emotionally
Melodic