Murray,
In what way do you think the World Champs. are 'flawed'?
The fact that it is a team event with the teams being selected at National level can hardly make this a flawed concept, can it?
So, yes, it is a competition for a select few, but then which sport can you name that is any different at International level?
As far as the Carp Baggers are concerned, there few better than Will Raison, or indeed the likes of Nudd, Gardner and even Scotthorn, so I don't see your argument on that front either.
What a lot of people don't realise is the the World Champs are a float fishing competition, ledger, feeder etc are not allowed, neither is it allowed to have your bait trailing the bottom.
I have been to several World Champs, and seen first hand the excellence of the anglers who compete and would venture to suggest that they are very representative of their respective Countries.
I am not trying to be controversial, it is simply that I am having some difficulty seeing your argument.