A point in relation to attendances, Sean, could be the creation of factions within the scene on a local level.
Factions are not aways to do with music or music policy but often in relation to personalities.
There have been threads on this site over the years in regard to promoters trying to do other promoters down and that will always, I`m sure continue because thats within some peoples nature. There will always be people putting gigs on in competition with others. That again is in the nature of some and I am well aware that we are not about trying to change the way people behave, thats up to them but some, like us try to keep out of the confrontational aspects of this type of thing and therefore become choosy in where we go, not just because of music policy but also because of 'internal politics'. I work in a stressful work environment and I don't particularly want to be bothered with personality clashes etc when going out to what is when all is said and done 'just a night out'. I know that to some its 'A way of life' but even though we've been around this scene for 36 odd years and love it and always will, there are more important things worth living for
Just a thought.........................