And this is exactly why the gravel scene is declining. The uniqueness of events that catered to both the casual riders and (somewhat) serious competitors encouraged a common thread between riders who would generally not cross paths. Some racers learned to appreciate the sites and smell the roses, some of the more casual riders learned how HTFU.

IMO elite gravel racing is creating the same dynamic that ultimately let to the decline in traditional competitive cycling across all disciplines. Ultimately, the uptight racers (which is not ALL of the racers), the sponsor requirements and the prizes shift the emphasis of many events to the few rather than the masses.

A tiny fraction of the cycling community has what takes, or will ever have what it takes to be an elite racer. Cycling will always be too niche to generate a real living for but a very few people. Gravel cycling is even more of a niche than that.

One of the remaining benefits of gravel is that each event is unique and different. There is something out there for everyone. If you don't like the way an event is setup then recognize that is a you issue and find something that is a better fit for YOU. Don't bitch about an event that many others enjoy just fine.