Depends really on whether the amount the RFL & the clubs earn from playing up there is better than what they'd take over the gates on a normal weekend, including food sales, beer, etc. The problem is we don't know the figures for these things, we just get the figures that put a positive spin on it. Obviously it does get fans to spend their hard earned on accomodation, nights out, etc, that they wouldn't have done on a regular round, which benefits the host city.

I can't help suspect though that for the clubs it doesn't pull in any more than a regular round and that the main motivation for it is promotion of the game. Again though, I can't help feel the merits of that are debatable, particularly after seeing saturation coverage on a poor pitch in a less than half full stadium.

what is the point of taking a local derby like Saints v wigan all the way to Scotland

It was the luck of the draw that those two played each other. The thinking behind it is to promote the game beyond the heartland.

they must have raised enough on beer alone. rip off 3.50 for a half pint bottle of cider,

Yeah was shocking will be taking my own next year.