I don't think it would be a bad thing for the premiership and championship to be amalgamated into one league and i wouldn't be surprised it that happens within the next couple of years.
You may not have heard that isn't going to happen and i think a good decision, Swindon might struggle for the same reason, riders like Watt and Batchelor are now in demand because they had bad seasons. Batchelor wouldn't be on anyone's most wanted list especially Swindon's if the rules hadn't changed.
I am sure Ford would like more clubs to compete against and we have more clubs in the top flight this year so that is encouraging, Clubs have closed which is a shame but you can't blame Ford for that.
i have seen him a couple of times and i feel he can hold his own, i think there will be some weak reserves, Swindon will have,if Rye go with Kennett there reserves will be weak too.