I still think there should be selection criteria that must be met to say there must be x amount of 'experienced players' but limited to x amount too, then the rest say under 23s.
Making it a development comp worth some first teamers to give them a higher level.
Because if you say 5+2(benched) first teamers in the 23 then the rest under23/x amount of prem caps then it can be tactical which players you use to help win whilst giving your young players their best development.
I've said before, and I'll say again.
I'd have it as a proper cup competition with the Championship sides, with pools and knockout stages (cup, plate & bowl).
For the Prem teams (and maybe for the Champ), players are only eligible if they played fewer than X (15ish) matches in the previous season - so no regular starters.
I can't really see a downside to this (except, to PRL, the risk of losing to lesser teams, and giving them ideas above their station - which I see as a good thing, but PRL seem to see as an existential threat)
ETA (not worth a separate post)
Should (try and) tie it to first team appearances/minutes that season imo - so players like Ford can be eased in after a long layoff, but it stops a side playing their first XV because they had a bye week the week before and want to get some form
I've considered that before as well, but think it's easier to just know who is or isn't eligible at the start of the season.