The staging lights made a LOT more sense this year - of this there is no doubt. But...
I haven't been to either of the recent 4-Wide races and I won't spend my hard earned money to go in the future. Simply stated: I am not a fan of it.
The decision for me to spend money, of which I have precious little, is based on, as it is for most, return on investment. There's simply not enough ROI when I lose rounds of racing in the Pro Ranks over the course of the weekend.
And I agree wholeheartedly with the comments early in this thread referring to the Sportman classes - but remember, I can see them for a lot less money at Divisional or even local event tracks. I spend my money to attend National events, for the most part, to see the professionals. Furthermore, the 4-wide gimmick only applies to the Pro's - if it's so great, why doesn't it apply to all of the heads-up categories?
Lastly, a majority of the racers in all three contested professional classes were adamantly opposed to 4-wide until they were convinced by the brass (and Bruton Smith) that they should reconsider. Understandably, they did, and 4-wide lives on. I would've likely done the same thing, given the options (losing Bristol & Las Vegas), but it wouldn't have changed my opinion - I simply would've been forced to keep my opinion to myself. Obviously, I can't speak for any of the racers, nor would I try, but it is interesting that after being so openly opposed, we didn't hear a single disparaging word (WJ almost...) all weekend. Did that many people REALLY change their minds over night?