I think everyone who appears against Maidenhead was a bona fide member at some point, but lag in the rating system means the number overstated against membership in a normal year.
Jack's observation about London makes sense, although I am surprised not to see more big clubs in other major cities. Perhaps the model we see in the sticks - many small clubs rather than a few big ones - is common in those areas too?
I did think about talking about the differences between the European and English model in reply to this:
John Foley wrote: ↑Wed May 12, 2021 8:13 pmSuppose a wealthy individual wanted to set up a European Super Chess League and desired to include the top four clubs by size/strength, which English clubs (not teams) would be vying to apply?
I suppose John was making reference to the European Super League in Football. I'd expect English chess to have the same presence in a ESCL as Denmark do in a football one. None at all. Which is not to disrespect Danish football, they have won things and had some great players. But I doubt even the most optimistic FC Midtjylland supporter thought they were going to get an invite to the ESL