I brought this up a couple of years ago and said that they should throw the divisions open and get clubs to nominate where they want to be.
In Div 2 you have Forest, Pats, Lindfield, HH and Hills who could go up to Div 1 numbers and playing depth wise.
Why not push two clubs up in one go? If Balmain want to drop multiple divisions then let them. You could then push Forest and say Pats up (They have a lot of history is 1st division)
You are then left with:
UNSW, HH, Lindfield, HILLS, BOBs and EPPING. Then you push NEWPORT and either REDFIELD or BLACKTOWN up to 2nd Div, BUT you make it 3 grades and colts. Clubs with extra teams can then run a Halligan side and try and push for promotion to 1st Div with Halligans games worth club championship points
3rd Division then becomes the interesting one. Do these clubs want to field colts sides???? I know it has been tough for HV and HAC and the 4th division clubs seem to struggle with it.
What about a large div3/4? If only for one season to find out where everyone is at? I am sure Iggies, Blacktwon and Beecroft will hang onto colts sides.
There are some successful clubs in Div 4 like Canterbury, Quins and Irish who i think should be in Div 3 but the colts requirement makes it difficult for them. Why not give these clubs the chance to play against stronger clubs and give them a chance to grow. If having colts is the problem for these clubs then lets get rid of colts for 3rd Div and get the strongest clubs into 3rd division.
Sad state of affairs when someone feels "resigned" to winning and promotion. As for the BOBs and Newport dilemma, could they have word to the SS Clubs. Not sure where they're at with numbers but could Warringah run their lowest team as a 4th grade for Newport.
I remember a number of years ago Blue Mountains couldn't run a Colts in Div 2 side so HV Colts played in place of Blue Mts to complete the competition. It meant the Mtns didn't have to flog their numbers and HV got to keep their team together.
I don't know the numbers so might not be possible, but could it work for BOBs and Newport? At least everyone gets a game.