Yes I agree Nick, I also think that spectators/people in general are alot more demanding than in previous years, the days have perhaps gone where spectators would treat the racing as the main reason they attend the TT/MGP, more so TT, and so can't be bothered to go upto the mountain for a day out, rain or shine when they can easily go , as you say to a pub and watch from there when there could be, as is geting very frequent these days, a long delay.
Still at least the 250's are back at the NW200 and hopefully this will lead to a return to the TT and make the short programme a litle more varied and interesting ;-)
Russ