There are many reasons to be a bit cynical, and frustrated, regarding this premise and some of the comments in this thread.
First, and the elephant in the room, is funding. A merger would mean a new facility at a significant cost. At a time when Cumbria is experiencing cuts in services and facilities is it reasonable to go to the taxpayer and say "You really should pay for this?" As much as I'm an advocate of the sport I would be almost embarrassed to ask for those sorts of figures in the present financial climate.
Would it be prudent for a sponsor, especially one that has to answer to the community as a whole, to invest huge amounts of funds into a sports venture at a time when we have the Civil Hall closed, bin collections reduced and guest services in our downtown shopping area eliminated? Corporate responsibility in a community does require balance when looking at how best to contribute. The BBC states that 70 groups used the Civic Hall last year. Haven is only one entity amongst many in need of sponsorship.
My personal view is that if we want to aspire to and attain a higher level we should be working at ways to earn it. Sponsorships should be the "plus" side of operations, but not a crutch for under performance.
At the moment we are blessed with support groups and volunteers that are keeping things interesting...but we can do more and we can command our own destiny.
I don't pretend to know what's happening behind the scenes on this issue though I suppose I could make a few inquiries. However, in my mind, merger at the Championship level makes more sense at this time than merger and Super League, though my personal choice is for Haven to become the Club its capable of being.
