That’s a downer for a start

Personally I don't think betting is viable specifically for all the reasons you mention - far too open to manipulation and perceived corruption ( even if no corruption exists) . Maybe Sir Philip has been recruited for his marketing knowledge - which as we know is sadly lacking in British Speedway. Of course, Speedway Futures Ltd could just be transparent and tell us, but I'm sure none of us expects that 

I really rate Cairns and I’m sure his reserve partner will be capable, knowing Poole’s team building abilities, but I’m surprised the Hagon/Hodder pairing are being written off above. I think our reserves will surprise a few.

2004, if I recall correctly. Started the season like a steam train, but ran out of steam by May. Lots of factors; Jones - an absolute revelation - picked up an injury and chucked it, Bentley’s form fell off a cliff, Blackman and Campbell were dreadful and subsequently replaced by Cockle and Carrillo which improved us at reserve, but McAllan came in for Jones, so we were on to plums. Still, we had a 15-team Premier League. Imagine.

Any chance of sneaking aboard as I’ve no passport😂

It looks like you are contriving issues in speedway and ignoring what goes on in the world of sport generally. The guest system is not ideal but can't be seen as an issue otherwise betting companies wouldn't offer odds on British league speedway which they have done for years. The British and Irish Lions select a national rugby manager to coach them thus the manager effectively coaches two teams - again a non-issue as it is in speedway as the teams don't face each other across leagues/competitions. A rider easing off to let their teammate through - is that any different from the main striker in football passing up taking a penalty to his teammate so his teammate can get a hat trick? Or a rugby player making an unnecessary extra pass for his teammate to touch it down? Or team tactics in formula one where a driver may be asked to make way for their teammate? All are non-issues to betting companies.