I dont agree with the "there has to be a National 400" (or x00) event.
Organisers are volunteers, and a full service event is a big undertaking. If there isnt an organiser out there who wishes to take it on in 2018, i dont see a particular problem. Theres cachet if its not automatically an annual event and it acts as a reminder that no volunteers means no event.
Better that it doesnt happen than somebody does do it half heartedly.
Obviously...
However, it is in the interest of everybody, including organisers, to have one. If more people get into long distance this means more people will then enter other 400,600 and 1000 events.... which I hope is good news for all organisers.
I doubt an X rated 400 will attract many first timers. There is only one TLC 400 in the calendar and it sold out in hours.
I hope the general feeling within AUK is not that of "let's stick to 24 hours garages and keep collecting points for the awards"... I would hope there is an interest in involving more (and possibly younger) members. The bivvy bag and the Ginster pasty are an acquired taste, rather thna a starting point