It all comes back to what I have said before: the heads-in-sand organisers have allowed the permitted machinery to become too dangerous to ride in normal British weather - let alone Manx weather!
The powers-that-be are absolutely terrified - much more so than the riders I am sure - of there being a serious crash. Years ago the maxim in the Island was 'the throttle works both ways', and riders had the good sense to ride within their limits, and take the chance to learn what the course was like in rain, mist and whatever. How many of the current batch can 'count' their way round the mountain section - knowing it well enough to ride at 80+ percent in very poor visibility?
It is no longer a true test of road racing.
I remember when men were men and sheep were nervous.......:-)