I think if we chose somewhere like the Mooragh Park, and did what the Vintage Club does every year, and showed bikes there, accessibly, with engines running, and perhaps with a run up and down the sprint area, people would get a far better experience of the nostagic bit. It would also draw people to Ramsey and away from Douglas and the usual places.
The Isle of Man sells nostalgia very well, with steam train weeks and encouraging classic car and bike clubs to spend time here... which they do.
The Square in Castletown is regularly filled with old bikes, steam cars (a couple of weeks ago)Porsches.. Rileys last week. Locals love it, even when it comes as a complete surprise and they can't get parked!!
It's the hardcore "We must have a lap of the TT" idea that is not working. Think differently.. it's not much fun hanging about marshalling while bikes break down, or esteemed older riders fall off and have to be rescued. I'd much rather have a day in Ramsey, at my leisure, when I can look properly, listen smell, touch the bikes and even talk to some of the famous riders.
If people don't go... then perhaps that will tell us something... but I believe they will.
I love old bikes, but I don't enjoy parade laps.