Judging by the events I do attend which are for the so called real enthusiast , there'd be more exhibitors and participants than spectators . I have never been to the FoS , but I have attended Goodwood Revival and Members' Meeting - the pantomime element of the former can grate a little but Goodwood puts on show which is unequalled . I am delighted they live stream it too.
Like any big sporting event it attracts the marginally interested - but that goes with the territory. Having attended Donington, Cadwell and Knockhill CSCC and HSCC Cadwell in 2021 I can report that the spectator banks were largely unpeopled . Fewer 'real enthusiasts ' around than we might imagine..
Exactly - without the sideshows there would be no events such as the FoS. I can take in the bits that I enjoy and leave the rest. I attended the first FoS back in 1993 and now realise that in some ways this was more enjoyable than recents editions with all of the bells and whistles !