2022 Events: Low Participation Numbers?

In my area most of the gravel events are not suited for me to be successful in the race. Rather then make a good course for racers they make everything EPIC. This ruins the appeal of the event as it turns it into a time trial and not a race. Which makes me say, I can just ride from my house if im going to end doing this event solo with no real race tactics being involved. Which brings me back to gravel racing is not really a race its more of a ride and this is evident by the people doing the event, 5% are racing the rest are there for fun.