More clubs would be able to compete at that level than the current nationwide League 1, making it easier to start up new clubs. The league could have looked something like this.

Bristol
Gloucestershire
Oxford
Coventry
Nottingham
London Skolars
Hemel
South Wales
New London team
New Welsh team

That’s a shame Gloucester had a top name

That could never have happened, other than as a strictly amateur league. And even then the CLS folded after four seasons

If they received the same funding as a League 1 North I don’t see why not?

1. Lack of players
2. The funding alone isn't enough to run a semi pro club and half the teams listed had zero interest in running a semi pro club

If you've ever benn involved in trying to run even an amateur team outside the heartlands then you'll know just how hard things are.

You'll usually end up with a groundshare with an RU club who, at best with be amiable, at worst will treat you both second class and treat you as a cash cow (you'll pay for pitch hire, and they'll keep all the bar takings, and might even charge you & players club membership).

You'll end up trying to manage some sort of youth structure, but again any income might go straight to your hosts. The RFL might send a regional coach along if you're lucky.

Travel costs will be high, a local fixture often being at least 50 miles each way.

The same small bunch of volunteers will be put upon to do everything, including competeting with RU clubs for players, funding/local sponsorship, news coverage etc.

Getting really committed RL players is tough. Many RU guys will give it a go, but coming off the back of their season they won't want to play each and every week (mmm, 25 guys for a home game, barely 13 for an away trip).

I've been involved with 3 such clubs, boy it is really hard work just at the amateur level.