Shandyhand I'm going to reply to some of your points in stages, so I'll try and set it out in a similarly eloquent format to how you have.
There was a thread created on this forum for people to post ideas for new sets on Babestation. A viewer's wishlist if you like, where people had the opportunity to express what they felt was lacking in the current studios and to suggest an improvement that would increase interest in the channel. A number of people made very good suggestions in that thread. I still agree that the current studio sets on BS are tired and need an upgrade. I just find it strange that people are saying this now when the same people were saying in that thread there's no point asking for them because it won't happen.
Well perhaps, just perhaps, BS producers saw the comments about it having no chance to happen and thought "stuff it - we were considering things but now if any changes are unwelcome we won't bother." It's just a possible thought process that the show's people can have after reading negative comments. People are entitled to say those things of course, I've got no problem with people expressing a view. Remember though that the show's bosses could also have a view that changes their mind about possible upgrades.
Now, the examples you've raised re: the drive from Alice, Nicole and Ashley. I'll say in response that Alice and Nicole still have the drive. A number of people have commented on Alice's roaming POVs and Nicole's recent shower set. I think that both Alice and Nicole have had exceptional years so far, as much as the current surroundings will allow. For me they are two girls who still push themselves to deliver a performance. This is all from a viewer's only point of view, I accept I cannot afford to spend money on calls.
Ashley on the other hand I agree with you that she has lost a drive. In fact I'd even suggest she never really had it in the first place. When you consider that she still has not done one front facing, naked, roaming cam, POV set and certainly no shower. She may have done some of that behind that stupid curtain on the web but of course we'll never know. She looks amazing naked, great. But her performances are tame. Alice, Nicole, Dannii, Sophie, the twins, even Penny last night - they continue to at least try to perform.
I've enjoyed BS' shows more than Studio 66. I think that there are far more intrusive and frequent DBS on S66 than BS. I think that girls have more opportunities for invention, imagination and to try to provide value for money than their S66 counterparts. Which is why I made my original post about not thinking it's poor across all channels. I think S66 have great performers but feel they are shackled by frustrating policies a lot more than BS performers are.
Granted there have been many changes in all the channels policies since they began ten years ago. I'm not sure with current regulations that any of that golden age can come back. So I do get members' frustration considering how good and innovative the channels used to be. I just think, and hope, that the house of cards you've mentioned isn't ready to fall yet. Otherwise what else would we talk about?