Not that this is a gauge of attendance, but I found parking at the Weirs to be much more difficult this year. Thursday and Friday before noon, you couldn't find 2 spots to park the bikes.
I do agree that the police presence is way overboard and might be a factor in dwindling attendance.
I know they put those plastic strips across the road in certain locations to count the visitors, but I wonder if they can count the police vehicles also????