A few thoughts on this. There doesn’t seem an option that is clearly the best. All have their pros and cons.
1)Probably the ideal scenario though much costlier. Concerned with the implications on the Chatham Cup. Would almost certainly mean Southern would be relegated and probably never to return. Though is that a problem given their history? Could end up being a very Auckland heavy league.
2)The conference option looks horrendous for Joe Public but would help keep some geographical representation.
3)The current set up seems to going ok at the moment. The inclusions of a third Auckland team has probably raised the average standard of the league and perhaps reduced the number of inter-city players. Some teams seem to be struggling with the current entry/travel fee. Wonder if increasing to three rounds, but retaining a closed league, is an alternative for a few years before re-assessing in 2020. But then again, costs would be greater with third round.
4)Winter football is horrible. Can’t imagine more than a dozen people heading out to Davey F or Newtown Park for a game in mid July. I tend to run on the assumption that most people have commitments elsewhere so are limited to watching/playing one game a weekend. In most instances, people would rather play with their mates, that watch a national league game. Would expect support and attendances to drop