Simon, sorry for the delay in replying but for a change work had to come first.
Can I reply to some of your points?
Firstly we are all aware of the drop in adult players. Locally to me clubs who put out 4 or 5 sides now struggle to put out 3. My own club regularly put out 5 side with an additional 'student side in September, at christmas and Easter. Now 3 most weeks, to often only 2, the student side has vanished. Yes the mini and juniors is vibrant (without it we would fold financially) but to many youngsters do not play once they reach University.
Varioius members have said the laws must be obeyed. However I refer to the ELRA course I took 2ish years ago and the concept of Materiality explained to me simply 'as does it matter'. I fail to see how the wearing of leggings make a difference to the playing of the game or to the safety of the players. If all the laws are to be obeyed then why, at all levels, are referees not taken to task about the put in at the scrum. I only referee alternate weeks (work again) but am able to watch on none refereeing afternoons if work allows so I see games from level 4 down. The number of straight put ins at the scrum in all the games I have seen this season can be counted on one hand.
As for scrum collapses they occur at all levels, sometimes due to bad technique and lack of knowledge but often because the players want to cheat amd the referee has been told to 'manage the situation'. In discussion with a National Panel referee earlier this season he made it clear a high penalty count went against him.
We have laws which are, by definition, open to interpretation. In my games leggings are OK they are not dangerous and well down my list of priorities to make the game safe and enjoyable for all.