Remember that we already have initiated the following protocol:
140 or more PAID riders = Full ROR Payout
120 - 139 PAID riders = 1/2 ROR Payout
119 or fewer PAID riders = NO ROR Payout
I'm not suggesting this is the end-all, but it is a move we made mid season to help balance out a bit. Depending on what happens with the ROR classes, we DEFINITELY should look at the payout amounts and make adjustments accordingly - perhaps still keeping the above in place, even with a reduced payout?
After looking at what the AFM pays their guys (for example) I'd say we're EXTREMELY generous with our payout in the MRA. Their Formula Pacific pays 5 deep, and the TOTAL payout is only $1000. Also note that the entirety of the cash payout for their classes is provided by the class sponsor, NOT by the AFM itself...
http://www.afmracing.org/content/view/54/73/
As far as "what we're getting for our money with the payouts" - I guess the argument could be that we're attracting the top talent from the region to compete in our premier class. The question becomes, would they come anyway simply for the championship (not to mention the contingency money they make in the other manufacturer supported classes)?
The better answer, however, is probably "well, this is what we've always done and it's worked pretty well until now..."
Until now. :?