Lazer Hound
Farnborough will always be an industry event. The RAF is merely an end user who only gets involved when requested and there is a pointed benefit to UK PLC.
As you are probably aware the RAF has been rather busy, and the usual ring round for volunteers to man static a/c these days usually generates nil returns due spending time with family / trying to have a life. Those who do attend are usually pressed men hence the reluctance to participate.
Not wishing to be rude, but I would much rather spend time off with family and friends than standing in liquid sunshine next to my jet and being asked how many rivets there are on the ldg gear doors.