Youngsters taking up RL and going down to their local club is a huge problem, just as it is for other sports.
With so much tech & facebook etc, kids (and adults) are happy to stare at their various screens, rather than actually do something and the issue with the current format is that most coaches dont trust the youngsters enough when it comes to the "business end of the season" and just as in years gone by, they put their faith in "journeyman" pros.

This was the major plus point of the old franchising system.

Also, EVERY SL club, without exception should be running their own academy's - no excuses

To be fair quite a lot of youngsters have been getting game the last couple of years. Including at the lower table sides. Look at widnes. Wetherby the quality is up to scratch is a different argument.
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On topic, if Leigh get in. With Toronto and Toulouse (especially at home). You'd think there is potential for a few upsets.
For a neutral it could be a fantastic middle 8's comp.

The 'quota' rules were introduced in 2008, the year before 'franchising' started. Those rules were tightened over the following 3 seasons so 'franchising' itself was hardly the reason.

Makes no difference. The point being made is the youth was forgotten. They can change the names to an academy and make it sound better. We had a game that players went from the community game to reserves/A teams, a very clear pathway.

Do you think they will ever create that clear pathway again?

Apparently he has been banned from posting on the VT.

Which is a shame, I find his posts quite entertaining.