And a league should comprise no less than eight teams if it wants to be taken seriously. Therefore a top tier isn't viable if only five-ish teams can be put together at the standard this "top" league wants to operate at. 

Not unusual for riders to agree verbally for one team and then end up signing for another. Hopefully Northampton is happening and Lawson has just been offered something better (could just be certainty) by Ipswich.

One league end of

6 is possible with a level enough playing field on team building limits, stability, a tv deal. 5 is the only feasible number in 2026 with any 6th being a disastrous bust. 7 - no way unless there is a sudden influx of new riders.  But the way things are going, 6 will become unworkable even with all the conditions in place. Then 5, then 4. Time to fold things from 2027 and put new foundations in place. 

'Potential Northampton side' does that include Lord Lucan and Captain Oates? With Shergar as the mascot?

I have seen on certain FB pages that the sport, to move forward, needs Coventry, Peterborough, Wolves and Swindon back... Who, it has to be asked, will ride for them?. Name those 28 riders of sufficient capability..