Quote Mild Rover="Mild Rover"
1. that we'd be reverting to 2007, making the the licensing era look like a mistake and a complete waste of everybody's time (arguably it was, but you don't want it to [ilook[/i that way, if you were associated with the concept).
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I don't think this is the case at all. I've been quite a fan of the licensing system which has (in general) brought more stability financially to clubs as it avoids the necessity of paying over the odds for average players, allowing clubs to spend what they want as their security is confirmed.
As we've seen, this has allowed for clubs to promote youngsters (whether it would be higher or lower should P/R have been kept throughout the last 6 years we will never know, but I'm guessing it would have been less).
Although there are still high scoring games, still showing a gulf between the top and bottom, generally, on their day, anyone can beat anyone. I believe this is due to the fact players signing for clubs already have the security of knowing they will be competing in the premier conpetition in the country year on year. Ok, some (if not all) players have a desire to win and perform every week, but the likes of Chase signing and staying on at Cas and Tim Smith at Wakey, are good quality players choosing to play for mid-low table sides levelling the quality slightly between sides.
With relegation we saw Wigan breaking the rules to stay in super league at the expense of another club. Without this threat, clubs can start building for the future seasons with the knowledge that they can do this without being threatened with being ousted.
Of course there are the sides like Fev, Fax, Leigh and the clubs who go down etc who may be able to keep a place in super league, but at what cost? Obviously no one knows the answer to this, but if it gave us anything, licensing brought security (generally) to clubs and therefore security for players and other staff connected to the club.
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