Unfortunately I can't "do" Ally Pally any more for mobility reasons, so I'm not in a position to comment on this show specifically. A couple of points stand out:
The inclusion of several USA/European models. No complaints from me BUT the main sponsoring mag is BRITISH Railway Modelling and AFAIK Pempoul is the only such layout to grace its pages for years now, so perhaps not unreasonable for readers/subscribers to expect more UK outline?
To lose one layout (to not running) may be misfortune, to lose two looks like carelessness. This should not happen. I get cross when I hear people defending this by saying how much time and effort they put in. Up and down the country are hundreds of events run entirely by amateurs. My son runs a youth club. If there are no games for the kids then they go home disappointed. No excuses. And when I hear the "let's see you do better" defence I get angry. They shouldn't have to, they are not setting themselves up for public view.
I have been involved in exhibiting layouts and know how hard it can be, but please try harder.
Ed