If you look at the York meet it is simple in my mind what is happening. The collecting segment of the hobby is what has been contracting, just like the meet. If the Eastern Division continues to ignore the operators with lack of content for the operator, then the meet will continue to contract. The meet needs seminars, demonstrations and more content from the manufacturers and vendors geared towards the hobbyists that are operating and building layouts.
There should be meeting areas for the manufacturers and vendors to talk about their product and what is new. Likewise hobbyists that are at the top of their game should be asked to share some of their talents in a talk or demonstration. All of these could be posted in a schedule so members could attend the topics meaningful to them.
For those that like the meet just like it is, let me say this. I'd like to see the meet around in another 10 years. You have to think bigger than yourself.
