Regarding the start numbers I also think its not good. I have ridden in the manx / TT many times over past 30 years and when we started in pairs I was always happy when there was a speed difference between me and my start partner. Bob McIntyre started number 78 in 57 and still won the race breaking the lap record more than once in a 8 lap race that would have had many more starters than todays races.