We need the challenge cup because it provides main stream TV coverage of live games, with good build up and summary. Sky does not provide universal availability.

Agree regarding bringing the CC final forward, this would give it more focus from all concerned, as it is more of a second fiddle to the GF when the two are played so close together. Not sure why you think swapping the venues round would help though, just sounds like change for the sake of it to me. I could also see it having a bad impact on crowds when we have internationals over here. Many people would likely choose to go to either an England game in London or the Grand Final at Wembley, not both, if they are within a month of each other.

1 week's notice to get tickets and transport sorted for a GF at Wembley? No thanks!

What I'd like to see is the Challenge Cup moved back to May/June AND Magic Weekend be the last round of the regular season before the split with 1 v 2, 3 v 4, 5 v 6 etc.

However I appreciate the logistics of doing it that way would be very difficult to plan and implement.

What about the first round of the eights? That would even up the fixture list and maybe give a revenue boost to the Championship sides who make the qualifiers.

I also agree that the cup final needs moving from August bank holiday.
For supporters with kids of school age (a significant %) I would imagine have to plan summer holidays well in advance of the final being played. Slap bang right in the middle of the 6 weeks school holidays. If you are limited to those six weeks and you see a decent deal you go for it. Taking the chance that your team will not make the final......