Havent seen DIV 1 lists (not loaded yet on mainland site?) but looks to me like most FTC players almost certainly gone to clubs/coaches that they believe can develop their football. I'd advise any rep player to play div 1 football if possible. Might come down to what is available.
the rub for me is I have 3x FTC players who are all A+ level, really good. But i also have 4-5 players not ready for even D2. So I play D1 because the FTC boys need that level, whilst the rest of the team struggle? If I do play D1 and get hammered each week will the good players stay next season, alternately will the learning players be disheartened and quit?
It's hard to sell player development if your kid is losing each week. That's why I think we are seeing D1 become more disparate. I'll be pleased to be wrong about this too..