It's bit of the chicken/egg problem. Currently, most players are keen to participate as little PTs as possible to keep their rankings. It's partly because PT have smaller money than pro leagues, less profile than WTTCs and olympics. By having more importance on participating in the PT, it'll hopefully attract more players and raising profile and the prize money in the long run. I'm not sure if that's the right direction because unlike tennis, WTTC and team matches are a lot more popular. But I like the fact ITTF is trying to move forward and I can clearly see their intent.
As for "rankings should reflect true strength of the player" argument. We have been fine with top 50 rankings not filled with Chinese players(seriously, more than half of women's top 100 rankings will be Chinese) for ages, I think we'll also be fine this time around. A player I see advancing the PT the most and often, gets higher rankings is clear enough for me.
I think ITTF wants to take full control of TT, but then again, WT (not PT anymore) is half ITTF, and half the local organising committee.
Now, what is bigger audience
League, or World Cup?
The problem is most local organising committee and ITTF are not able to get in audiences compared to what some clubs can get in. and ITTF can't all of a sudden get so much cash injection for prize money for 90% of the participants to even get something worthwhile.
With what ITTF is doing, we can compare with FIFA vs Champions League, FIBA vs NBA, Golf, WTA, etc.
Does Tennis have a league structure for the pros? i'm not sure, but i don't think there is. So being Pro, is just WTA?
Now TT has league and WT
Then there is "training" and non WT tournaments, like development/social programs etc.
Its already a very busy schedule to be a TT athlete - there is no time for holiday.
With the force rules of competing, would imo further strain the players more:
- to make a living (league)
- to do development/promotion/upliftments
- to train, adjust technique, improve
- injury time/recovery
- world tours or else get low ranking - which will jeoardise world teams, world event and olympic qualifications etc
the last part is where it will hurt the most