Here in Arkansas
Short story, IR 5050 matches here in Arkansas is at one range only, Rimfire Ridge. (There is only one active out door range in AR) In the 3 years I have been attending Rimfire ridge I dont think there has been a 5050 match that has had 2 relays.
While at some of the matches We have talked many times about
1. New shooters.
2. Getting people who currantly shoot IR5050 or ARA , To attend the match.
We held 5 Matches this year all being State or regional with alot of Hall of fame points. If you want to take the time you can go to the website and see the discouraging attendance.
I for one don't see a change to 275 scoring being a factor in bringing more ARA or IR5050 people to the match or new shooters to IR5050. I would endorce worst edge with Xs as a tie breaker If I had to choose.
If there is any change be it scoring change, Equipment rule change, I will still support my local range. I am hooked on this rimfire BR game and will attend all I can But at this point in my life I can't take several days to go shoot 6 targets.
I personaly like the IR 5050 format as it is, I find it challenging, I have shot a few good targets - that for me is what makes me practice more and go back to every match available to me trying to get better and shoot that better score or even duplicate the scores I have shot in the past.
The original question, I do shoot both ARA and IR5050 but I do shoot far more ARA targets than IR5050.
IN my location there are 4 ranges with in a 4 hour drive I can go shoot ARA, 6 to 12 targets a day and be home the same day. There are a few ARA Ranges not much further that only shoot 4 targets a day I personaly would not attend because of that.
At the Arkansas State ARA there is 3 days of shooting 20 targets 23 shooters. In the last 2 I have attended there has been waiting list to attend. Louisiana State
indoor 3 days 20 target weekend 21 or 22 benches and at least 2 relays, Frog Level 12 targets a day.
Maybe IR5050 should try to be more like a retailer/ service company, If a retailer does not have a item on the shelf the customer is out the door and down the street looking for what he or she is needing, If the service company does not offer all of the services he possibly can, guess what there are days he is not working. Million dollar question- how to get more ranges shoot IR5050
Maybe IR5050 needs to find a way to reach the potential customer like me who wants the challenge and enjoys aquiring all of the equipment to participate.
If a company is too busy the fastest way to solve that is to raise your rates, Maybe IR5050 has out priced it self with the extra guns and equipment needed for a person to be competive or even attend a match and not finish at the bottom of the list. Who Knows! ARA (one gun one rest)
I doubt most ARA shooters would attend if there is not enough targets to get there name on the list if unless they have a loyality to a range like myself. How Many targets needed to get 12 good scores?
Bottom Line You can't expect people attend or support something that is not available to them.