To be honest, I'm not sure anyone would lose money if they made each London fixture a Bye.
There is surely no profit when you play London, certainly for the bottom half ofthe league

I don't think that MC would agree with you on this one Pop Tart.
IF London were to disappear, they would need to replace them with, either another team or, an additional fixture.
The attendance given out last season at BV was just over 8200 and even though the majority of those people would be low price S/T holders, it still represents significant income, especially when you take into account the current financial state of the game.

I'd forgotten we got a big attendance.....ok, maybe I take that back

Also if London disappear it could leave a potential issue with season ticket holders across super league.The ones that have already purchased season tickets,shelled out on the basis they would be getting a ticket to 13 home games - not 12.

Tbf, London at home probably does get one of the lower attendances (usually) but, as we are struggling for income with the current number of fixtures, we certainly don't want any reduction.
Unless they can find a solution quickly, which IMO will be some sort of major support from the RFL, then there would be severe ramifications next season, especially as we haven't even agreed the structure for the 2015 season.

A while ago, there was talk of Fev, having been put "on stand by", I wonder if they actually were asked to get ready for SL ?

Yes the London gate was high but weren't the tickets only £5/£10?

I don't think Sheff would be allowed up as they are moving to Owlerton Dogs, capacity won't be that high.

The only option is Featherstone but it is highly likely the RFL would go with just 13.

This.

I don't see them going with 13.
If we have a league format, then there has to be a balanced fixture list.
Just supposing Catalan were awarded the 2 league points for their "game" against London and they then qualified into the playoffs by 2 points or, secured home advantage in the play offs by 2 points, there would be an outcry (and rightly so).

I know that we don't always take a lead from other sports but, is there any kind of precedent for this ?

Is it fair that Cats get to play London three times yet the Hull teams have batter each other three times? The Magic weekend is unfair as it is so the awarding of two points Catalans would have more tham likely got anyway isn't as bad as promoting a team at short notice who wouldn't be adequately prepared.

The bottom line is that with the fixtures released they will have to go with London with what I expect to be financial assistance and player dispensation. They may even allow them to go into administration but keep their SL place with or without a points deduction. They will then look to find a new owner for a new company.
The alternative is to parachute a championship club at this late hour into SL. I doubt any championship club would want to at this time with two teams relegated at the end of next season and I don't think the RFL will grant them dispensation from relegation.

The Magic Weekend is not "fair" for any of the teams. However, to start and allocate points to any of the competing teams, without them passing a ball or making a tackle, is just wrong.
Whether the format itself needs changing is a whole new question.
Catalan have been dominant over London for the last couple of seasons both in the regular rounds (home and away) and at the magic weekend but, this hasn't always been the case.
Sorry, but the RFL are going to need a better solution than just handing free points to any team.