As far as the seven v nine situation is concerned, I now understand from someone 'close to the matter' that if an event organiser or flying display director is approved for a flypast they'll get nine, but the display will be seven. The extra two will be Red 10 and OC RAFAT. (So maybe Monty is hoping to persuade people to ask for flypasts?!) But anyway Cosford last Sunday, for instance, was seven.
airsound