Whilst we both agree the evidence is there, I don’t think we necessarily see eye to eye for the reasons why the crowds are so dismal. I have my suspicions, but no evidence to support them.
I think the RFL would be wise to conduct a survey of fans at SL matches why they do or don’t attend Challenge Cup ties. There is obviously a downturn of attendees, maybe the season ticket holders are not the right target for Challenge Cup fixtures at all. Maybe the RFL will learn the target market should be locals who usually don’t attend fixtures. Locals who are likely to have availability with weeks notice but open to attending a “special event”.