If this league is going to survive, it seems to me that the Launch Leagues are critical.

I think charging $10 for a launch league isn't going to scare off many people (maybe $5 is better - or $5 for the first time and $20 thereafter) and I think making them free for first timers just invites abuse - how do you monitor who is a first timer? That seems difficult to me. In addition in many LL managers obviously drop out after a week or two. They may have just joined on a whim or just for the draft. Having to put down some cash you want to get your money's worth and are more likely to be involved and stick with the team the entire season.

I think the Launch Leagues could actually be cash cows rather than just a way to attract more regular managers. Many people may not want to commit to a long term ownership, others like the formation draft better than the games. Probably many more players could be attracted to LL than to the full season.

The relatively few "hard core" SIM enthusiasts will still be attracted after a good LL season, but I would expect also some who only want to do the LL's.