Its a complex question to answer. Its not that I'm not a fan, but I do think its all a bit of an elite Vic-centred closed shop. I bear no ill will to the vast majority of parents and families who participate. On the one hand the system is rational and efficient, most of the good players are in Vic, even in a down year, so there is is a very good reason for the resources to be focused there, and the way the schools system has evolved means that it is an efficient way to allocate resources.
But I've seen first hand how it sets a bit of a haves and have nots, I ranted and raved about it when comparing how the Allies are run in comparison to VM and VC. In some ways this can easily be objectively measured, backed by evidence. For example VC and VM starting to select and train late in the previous season Vs Allies selected a month out and having one training session before the first game. The VM and VC game scheduled as the final game at the G because they expect it to be the GF.
Then there are other factors that are harder to argue, but I'm confident I could argue them, and I have at times, but need way too much time and words to present the evidence. A few of these are, the Northern Academies are allowed to participate in the Coates League, but they don't get points. They play less games sure, and more against each other, but in what is already an imperfect draw, you could work something out. You could in theory have a situation where a northern academy side flogged all comers, including its 3 Vic opponents, and doesn't play finals. Another big one for me is player favouritism, and the reverse, certain players, not many but its noticeable, who play for VM and VC and are leaders at their school and managed by the top managers, are pumped-up relentlessly and placed way higher in the draft ratings than they should be. (I think this year showed the recruiters are mostly onto this). Sure this has always happened a bit in some form, but these days the stakes are higher, and scrutiny and accountability expectations should be and are higher, in theory at least.
I get why the system would be seen as sensible, in many ways it is, and I don't begrudge people enjoying the footy, but I think it creates some dysfuntional outcomes at the margins. But, you could say that about any system right?
