I think if you are going to engage in discussions re the future of northern soul I think you have to address the issue of media here, esp with regards to attracting new blood.
the way you answer the following questions says alot in my eyes
Supposing you were at a venue and found out that the young DJ was using an mp3 or cd's. How would it make you feel?
Supposing you were a young aspiring DJ and wanted to dj on the northern scene, what would you make of the price of the records?
Its about the music not the format. If you have a vested interest in the format you may think otherwise. It only came out on vinyl originally as that was the medium at the time........ think about it. When the funk brothers were laying down a detroit anthem it was about great musicians making great music. If you love hearing the music then let them play it to all, at full volume on any format.. Vinyl, acetate, cd, ipod, tape, 8 track, two tin cans and alength of string - it really doesn't matter.
If you think the future of the scene revolves around increasingly mothballed 45's then im afraid you are doing it no favours.
Just my opinion.