An old topic but a current issue...
Anyone else think Free league should be made more attractive to players who play Classic schemes only? Players who are good at Elite, BnG and Hysteria probably like a league with Intermediate, Aerial, Forts and Abnormal. They just don't want to play the league because someone can pick Darts, Plop War or whatever. It's demanding enough to become good in all Classic schemes so you can't expect people want to learn another ten schemes that are very different.
Unwillingness to learn is a bad reason for removing schemes but a fact is majority of players rather avoid Free league and play just Classic/TEL. If you want to keep playing Free league with the same ten guys, fine.
I would divide Free league into two leagues, one with Classic-like schemes and one with the rest. I'm saying this because an alternative league with Classic-like schemes could keep people interested in WA. At least I get bored with Classic league at times, then play some TEL games and return to Classic league. A league with Classic-like schemes only would bring desired variation without requiring too much learning.
"Give a free win if someone picks Mole Shopper" is a bad solution for both sides.