In which case, maybe they have been mis-represented.
However, I don't get the opposition to the 3x8 split.
So far the only arguement I have heard against it is that it's too complicated. Which if it's the case, then I do worry about educational standards.
The 8x3 split does carry issues, but it also carries potential benefits as games towards the end of the season can be more or less cake walks for those in the top 8.
I did feel it brought a new outlook and possibilities to the league. I know people are hesitant to change, but the initial response to me just seemed knee jerk. ie It's different therefore I oppose.
There were also assumptions that the gap in wages would be too much for tier 2 to cover. However, that was assuming current cap levels. I reality, those tier 2 clubs paying £900k could have quality players who could beat a side funded at less than the £1.8 cap.
The real reason for this opposition is money and that it was to be spread further than before. SL clubs want to keep a tight fist on the money. League 13 only represent a percentage of SL players so again don't want to risk money going to players outside of their club.
I understand self interest, it's natural. I would do the same. But that's the point of a governing body that sets the rules. Their job is to look at the over all benefit not just self interest of a few elite players and clubs.
Otherwise left to their own devices, I would expect the clubs to continually contract the league to squeeze more and more out of the same funding, by cutting more and more of their fellow clubs.
I think we went to 10 clubs once and that did not expand the game at all. We need a route in for other clubs, but standard P&R with no extra funding to the 2 tier means that 2 tier clubs have to change wholesale in 2 months after the best SL players have already been purchased.
With a cap half that of the top teams and games against lower SL teams, it should provide those clubs with an opportunity to gear up earlier and gain higher intensity earlier.
Like I say, I get the self interest, but to me it sounds like more stagnation for the game as a whole.