Are the IMG scores just a recommendation to the RFL? And the RFL can interpret them as they wish? Or am I talking rubbish?

They are not a recommendation.
The scores will decide the league.

However the RFL are auditing the scores not IMG.

I can honestly see a straight swap between London and Trinity for this coming season. It’s probably the most likely scenario.

I think Toulouse might be pushing their way in too.

There is no maybe, London are out.
The question is whether Cas do enough to get above Toulouse as right now its pretty close.
We'll be ahead of them. We are not sneaking in. We might be the highest B grade when we get to that stage.

Cas reckon they will be a high 14 circa 15. Can't see where Toulouse will improve on 12.97 points.

Just realised with a 14 point score it puts us above Salford and Huddersfield. Again not sure where those two clubs will secure more points from.

The big question is whether we can and how we can achieve an A grade and how long it may take.
Getting back into SL next season would be great but, we would be forever looking over our shoulders and the benefits of
a Championship GF and 1895 final will be gone.
Somewhere there has to be a solid plan to achieve an A grade.

You don't get an A overnight.

The areas to improve are league position, which will be over a couple of years, fandom which we can help with on social media and attendances and maybe community trust.

Up to this season we were a long way behind on social media.

Bradford could solve their stadium issues by moving to Vallay Parade. They just can't afford it at the moment.

Indeed, an A grade isnt a possibility overnight.
However, we have to find a way to get there or, we will forever be at risk, notwithstanding that, the criteria isn't set in stone.
The worry is that, should we be in the top 12 for next season, this may be with the benefit of a Championship GF and and appearance in the 1895 final and
these cant be replicated if we are in SL but, other clubs mat be able to benefit from these points in future seasons.

That's a very good point.
It helps us this year but it has to be a case of lifting us to 7th place not 12th place.

But just to prove the point, Hull have a grade A but they could easily lose it this year. It won't relegate them but as you don't get a grade overnight, you can lose it overnight.
It's got to be an ongoing focus

Continuous improvement until you get to a score that can no longer improve. Hull FC are a good example that's its not all on field perforce to get grade A, they've been pretty dreadful these last 5 years or so. They will benefit from population and a large fan base that we don't, so on field is more important to us.

They're in the same Catchment figures band as Wakefield 130-260K (don't forget its split between all teams in the councils district)

Absolutely agree, you should only be scored on things you can influence/effect/improve, this criteria is totally out of the hands of clubs and I can only think of one team that benefits from it in a way that may get them enough points, I won’t say which team that is but it has a BD post code