The rules are equalised.
If there was demand, initially someone could put on an open XC event and trial it. I wonder why Run Equal haven't considered that.
Probably because they want to moan a lot about what others do and don't want to get off their backside and set up a few test events themselves.
Anyone club interested could consider approaching a league AGM and suggesting a test event and then seeing how it affects timetabling for the officials / RO and what the feedback is from the athletes.
As an RO of many Cross Country races, from local school to Area Champs, I never saw any demand or felt inclined to try a new format and in a survey recently the senior ladies questioned decided to vote for the status quo.
The problem with the current survey, it is going out to Throwers, Sprinters, Jumpers....
Imagine a poll on the future of fell running shaped by Track Fairies and Road Runners under the guise of democracy.