The point that the ACU seems to have missed here is that, as one posting mentioned, many riders put ALL their energies and resources into the Manx. The Manx is not just another race meeting for most competitors, but an event that makes the year worth while. The only reason I for one, started racing was so that I could race at the Manx, a replica is like The Holy Grail not just another trophy for the cabinet.
It is not always possible to do 5 meetings and the Manx for lots of reasons not only financial but also time off work.
If, and I can only think that the reason is a safety one, then without being to horrible, the Manx loses no more or no less riders per year than the TT, and the ones that are lost aren't always "holiday racers" are they?
As for needing an International FIM Licence for the TT, you still need one, but anyone can have one so long as you have a National Licence, I got one this year having not raced for 3 years.
I also having not raced for 3 years qualified for both 125 and Junior(600)TT events, I'd never ridden a 600 before so qualifying times are a piece of p**s to.
The problem here is that if they do nothing they are slated, and if they make qualifying before and during practice then the grids will reduce to an unacceptable level simply because riders are encouraged away from the roads these days. Years ago riders would do the Manx then the TT and if they did well they would get sponsorship for the season (generally speaking) now the roads are frowned upon a bit don't you think?
Russ