Brian you make some valid points, so let's put this out there. Hey maybe it is reaching too far for the powers to be?
If the drivers are the decision makers, and we use these forum as a small indication of what "some" drivers want or don't want, them lets ask for a high performance AND a low cost option. ( I am not endorsing the Hoosier or the Falken)
So if a driver has or would like to spend the extra $ on the higher performance options, they will re racing with others that think the same way. If there is a lower cost option you with get the drivers that go racing with other drivers who think the same way. The magic is all drivers have a home.
If I had to spend extra $ on tires (that maybe I don't have), to be competitive, I would probably re-think which events if any I attend, for financial reasons. At the same time not to take away fro those who have no issues spending the extra. But they would each be racing with drivers thinking the same way. This will also allow drivers to travel from region to region without issues.
What ever we do need to be the best for the Class, not just a group of drivers. As I said before, if we can get more drivers out there (and no the spec tires will not be the only factor, but will be a big one), and we can get more single class grids, that in itself will bring even more drivers back.
Racing in not a Inexpensive Sport, and not for everyone, but we need to start thinking how to we make it better for those who want to race and can race.