Not sure if Senior Pilot would be up for it but .. t'would be interesting (I think) to run a poll on which format of show/exhibition is preferred ie. the airfield based (Duxford style) scenario or the larger convention centre arrangement. Perhaps the convention centre arrangement (as per ExCel) would have been more agreeable at some other location (eg. Birmingham etc.) or at a location with few flying restrictions.
One outsider observation I would make is that there appeared to be an emphasis on the 'convenience' and centrality of ExCel's location whereas many have testified that the logistics associated with attending the show were, well .. awkward.
The comments so far seem fairly mixed.