A very good post Dan, objective, truthful and sadly accurate.
I say sadly as I too believe that the clashes could and would be far more profitable for WGT if they were based on skill, rather than quantity.
But the bean counters just see credits being spent, not the bigger picture, That is fine from me, it is a business, albeit missing out on revenue, and every bit helps the future development of the game.
Everyone has a choice of whether to play or not. I personally do not but happy to play CC vs CC organised by clubs.
For me that is what a clash is about - bragging rights, but more importantly, new friendships formed by meeting and playing an opponent.
WGT clashes simply have players churning out as many rounds in certain time frame. That is neither skillful or fun.
The one thing I will say and you alluded to it via the Trip Advisor analogy, this is true, but you should always remember, that EVERY business can learn from a customer who complains, rather than the ones who say nothing and never return.
You have to remember, that the forum is the only outlet to voice your concerns, and contrary to WGT claims....people will not be emailing in in their thousands praising the events.....like Trip Advisor....does not happen!