Nobody is saying that, Neil.
What they are saying is that the TT is a national treasure, which brings in trade for those establishments and could bring more.
It should be run properly, and with respect for the competitors, the marshalls, and the fans (also tourists and income generators) who put their all into the event. They don't expect to be paid or to have lavish entertainment provided for them, but it seems that those who are involved on the organisation, many of whom are off Island people, expect to be treated like royalty, have all their expenses covered, and seem to contribute little back.
Their organisation is appalling, and their systems and customs are out of date, inefficient and dangerous.
A good example would be their attitude to constructive criticism. Any profitable, healthy, commercial enterprise nowadays has a clear, fair complaints procedure, and spends money on evaluation, to benefit from feedback.
Riders at the TT (and their familes, supporters etc) pay a lot of money for the "service" of organisation provided by the ACU. They are therefore customers. Ever tried complaining, or giving constructive feedback? It usually means, unless you are VERY important and they need you, that you will not get an entry next time, or you will be given a bad number etc etc. Your complaint or point...binned due to lack of interest.
I sincerely hope the Think Tank is genuine, but if it is, they should be inviting, at their expense, those who have years of experience...Ian Lougher, Ian Huntly, Ray Knight you know the sort of people...to come to some sort of major consultation, with a real outcome.
Oh...and I don't mind if they get a slapup meal, too..it would be earned.