Quote: pyeman "I think its a bad idea because it doesn't expose the game to new areas (which was the whole point in the first place), '"
There is no rugby league in Manchester, believe me. Most of my neighbours and people in my local don't know the first thing about it even though I live just 5 miles from Salford City Reds ground.
Quote: pyeman "...will not have the festival atmosphere of previous magic weekends '"
That's just an assumption for which you have no evidence whatsoever. The area around the ground has been developed by MCFC to develop a festival atmosphere at City matches - the cafes and bars and big screen at the northern end are great for fans to mingle. The fact that there are fewer bars than at Cardiff may improve the atmosphere because there'll be a higher density of fans.
Quote: pyeman "...and (imo) have less supporters in the stadium at one time leading to a poorer atmosphere.'"
...and so is that, although here you admit it is just your opinion. If rugby league supporters are so uninterested in their sport that they go home as soon as their club's match is over then there is no point in running this weekend anywhere.
Your concept of 'captive' audience is pointless. Is there any advantage in having fans sat in a stadium who don't really want to be there, who would rather be at home, and are only there because they can't face a 200 mile trip home? Does that improve the atmosphere?
If a fan who is not as interested in other matches knows that they can be home in 60 minutes, or home in 3 hours, after their club's match, how does that make any difference to their decision to stay or go?
Quote: pyeman "The fact that it has put off me and several people who were going to go is a side issue, i have no particular dislike of Manchester, but no love of it either like i do Cardiff and Edinburgh.'"
Since the original MM was announced, there have been naysayers and generally miserable bu**ers criticising the event. That's going to happen with RL people whatever the RFL do or don't do. This year [iyour[/i upset by it, and a few others on here too, but that really isn't any different from any other year.