I don't see how it is a farce or flogging a dead horse. Yes it's a farce as far as the game is concerned but from the perspective of our two clubs i don't agree.
I'm talking from a Wakefield perspective hear but I suspect it's the similar to yourselves.
Currently we don't have too much in the academy but we so have a glut of players getting beyond it who are still good enough to persist with. In terms of keeping those players active I don't see even a diminished reserve grade as any less useful that DR which I hate with a passion. Most of these players I'm on about are capable of playing a limited amount of SL where as few if any of our under 19's are. To me I'm far happier to see them training with the first team and being a part of it whilst and playing the odd game than being DR.
It's just my opinion but it gives us a certain depth we otherwise wouldn't have. Also it's a nice platform to explore trialist, something you simply cannot do with the under 19's and you never know what gems you might fine.
Over all I'm happier with what we have that Hetherington's ludicrous argument that Leeds Academy is there reserve - that Gary has worked only once in 25 years!