Sorry this is a little late to the game--my computer died this week.
The upcoming SCCA race could be interesting. We are planning to go, so I can let you know how that works out. I'm not sure how fun it will be, though, as I'm currently the only entry in my class.
Food for thought--be careful about holding SCCA up as an idol. Their entry lists are dismal compared to ours. So Conference is doing something right. On the other hand, that doesn't mean that I'm not advocating creativity or some judicious changes.
It seems that getting input from those outside the usual forum posters would be a good idea--as this is only a small percentage of the whole driver group. Holding a variety of types of events would give drivers a chance to vote with their time and dollars. I do believe that holding a variety of types of weekends will be a good way to keep the most people happy and probably generate the most revenue for the clubs.
One more thing--I would pose a reason why some of us don't like the idea of fewer weekends.
We understand the concept that it is tiring and our volunteers are overworked. But ... racing is addicting. Our time at the track is a slice of non-reality; it is an escape from the drudgery, bills, politics, arguments, etc. of everyday life. A conference weekend is full of adrenaline, excitement, power, friendly competition; people who are up, happy, excited, helping each other, supporting each other. Hard not to want that.
So, as has been presented, we are reluctant to give this up.
I would present my support, though, of giving up a little bit of our dream in the interest of keeping the dream healthy.