The Manx is as exciting as ever. As Creg ny Baa explains, some riders are performing amazingly well. These in my opinion are the future TT stars, just as it was in the beginning, almost 100 years ago.
However, it has been spoiled by the ridiculous numbering system, which means that the competitors start in qualifying order. OK there's a list available in the office, but to the casual observer who isn't able to get to the office, there is no chance of following the races.
Even with an iphone and the "App", it makes life difficult, because you spend more time looking at the phone , than watching the racing.
So, when number 57 (for example) come past with number 22, it means nothing, because 57 may have started three minutes earlier.
Gone are the enjoyable scraps (as far as the spectator is concerned), or being able to watch x, y, or z, progressing through the field. I will not be watching whilst they have this system, which, in theory, is for safety, but doesn't make the racing any safer. PLUS there is now qualifying in practice, which WAS for practice, learning the course, and developing the bike, NOT to try and get in a quick lap when you are unprepared.
In future, after my races are concluded, I shall marshal as I did this year on Sulby Straight. Phones aren't allowed when you are marshalling, so I will have no clue as to what is happening.