Funny how the two most active threads on PR right now are really about the exact same thing. Has anyone ever considered the possibility that the skill level in "beginner" classes have an effect on whether or not somebody who rides but does not race will find the nerve to ever get on the track? Have you ever considered that a huge mismatch, and a scary ride with fast guys flying over, or landing beside a guy might give him the impression he does not belong out there, and he never returns?
To the influential PR clique, new guys are annoying, they slow things down, and they are more people to wait on until their next moto. To the promoters, the impression intetrested potential racers get from watching, and their first early racing experience will either keep them on the trails, or be enjoyable enough to pursue. They don't care about winning. They want at least one guy to give them a competitive race.
What does an interested ridng spectator think when he watches your beginner classes? Does he say "I'd get killed out there" or does he say "I think I could do that"?
Your well funded, high flying, talented racers bring in the spectators, but your work boot and flannel guys running old beaters bring in the new racers, and those guys have been long ago pushed aside, and never were much appreciated in most circles.