I highly doubt that a format / proposal supported only by Varsity was going to be good for the league / region. Few clubs in Dunedin have the structures in place and want to spend a bit more time / resources to ensure their best teams are playing in the best competitions available to them.
Its just so frustrating that issues with the league / season ahead are never sorted well in advance. If Football South want to help clubs save money, and therefore be able to spend more on development etc, then sort out what the season looks like before Christmas. Even a plan or draw for half the season would be better, with the rest sorted before season start.
When does the Mainland comp start? Football South doesn't usually start until March but if I recall, Mainland had played 5 or so games by then last year..