RE: My suggestion to increase pattern participation
Maybe an easy one would be to post a video of the sportsman sequence on the NSRCA page so those interested can see what it actually looks like.
Most I have met who come to a contest "just to see" usually regret not bringing a plane once they saw the sequence being flown. A number of years ago we coached a newly soloed pilot through a primer I was running completely cold. He just showed up that Saturday morning wanting to fly and we walked him through.
Another idea would be to create a "club contest" program with a simple sequence and rules. If each NSRCA member could try to run one of these on a Saturday morning at there local club it could have quite an impact.
To the OP thanks for the effort always good to get a fresh perspective.