I think you should list some of those crazy things. From my perspective NYRR remains the main catalyst for one of the best running communities in the world and over the last couple of years - especially with the introduction of the no-frills races for club runners - they’ve really listened to the feedback of the local running community.
9+1 is a huge commitment but I don’t know who designates the “important members of the running community” who are getting shut out. NYRR has limited spaces and unlimited demand so they ration the former by giving guaranteed spots to people who demonstrate the only two OBJECTIVE qualities they can measure - speed and commitment. Seems tough but fair to me.