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It's not totally up to the parties. Each state has different laws about how their primary or caucus should be conducted.

... Different laws that were suggested and driven by whichever party was in control when they implemented them.

Sure, the party could opt to not even run a primary process I think (like most parties do when they have an incumbent in office). But they do have to at least appear in these run-offs to be fair and following the process they establish and be transparent to the degree possible.

> They could toss a coin

Funny you should mention that...

https://theweek.com/speedreads/893489/iowa-officially-first-...

Don't organizations have a civil obligation towards their members to follow their own rules, though?

Theoretically. I'm not convinced the DNC practically has to do that (have there been real punishments?).

They could, but they would deservedly face criticism, just like now (except more severe).