The guest rule is open to manipulation. Years ago I remember James Grieves being unavailable for a match at Sheffield. Although he was a good 2nd tier heat leader he rode Sheffield like a 3rd tier reserve. His team brought in Simon Stead as guest.
I have often wondered if guests should be chosen by a neutral to try to make the replacement as equal as possible. However I think trying to get someone to accept this poison challis may not be so easy.
Whatever happens hopefully we will get a 2021 season. News on vaccine is hopeful.
Be nice to get some official confirmation of what the promoters intend. Last year the outcome of AGM announced on 15 November.
Does your question relate to popularity as a spectator sport, participation sport, or both combined? From a participation point, some sports, especially motor sports would be less popular due to cost (and possibly the danger)
The Grudziadz match live on Premier Sports, which previously disappeared from my EPG, has now gone back on it. I believe even Dave Goddard said yesterday it would not be shown live. About time Premier Sports started updating their EPG correctly.
The 2nd/3rd tier in rugby league have abandoned the season. Can not make it cost effective if no crowds allowed in until October. Can not see that speedway can pay without crowds, and October too late to start.
Would also need to consider how many riders with temporary jobs will want to keep them until next March.