The waiver wire says during pickups that teams are prioritized based on their standings. So it makes a kind of sense that people would intentionally tank in order to game this system. I have learned through trial and (mostly!) error that the waiver wire isn't so simple. Some other factors seem to be:

1. Your history with the waiver wire. If you have made a waiver claim during the same spin, you go to the bottom of the list.

2. The player's opinion of you. Players whom I have cut or traded seem to avoid me.

3. Random factor. Sometimes I can't understand why I don't get a player.

There is nothing wrong with any of these, as long as the waiver wire is honest about them. The description on the waiver wire is misleading, and it leads to destructive behavior by unscrupulous players.