Unfortunately I do not have many friends in the hobby with ties to TCA, so for me it is not a social event as much as it is a sociological event where you can buy things and enjoy the item and people watching in the most positive sense.
There are other legacy organizations dealing with the same issues as TCA in general and in conjunction with dwindling attendance at big events such as York.
My simplistic answer is that if York provides something that people value and they cannot get anywhere else; they will come/join. It really is that simple.
As for TCA's role in growing the hobby IMO on a National level about the most they can do is facilitate/invigorate local chapters initiatives since it all begins at the local level; not top down.
For example where is the TCA presence in the Washington/Baltimore corridor? If there is one I am unaware of its' existence. This is not criticism just my perception. It would be fantastic to have a METCA like presence down here.
For whatever reason many train hobbyists that I have encountered over the years harbor a deep and passionate dislike for TCA. I don't know why except that snobbish/elitism comes up often. If TCA wants to invigorate themselves and York in the process, they might want to consider extending an olive branch to their critics and try to win them over.
Just a thought not a sermon.
