i was under the impression that if a rider pulls out with an injury sustained in a previous meeting then they cant be replaced unless theyve had three rides 

In which case the Berwick management could say "we have tried on numerous occasions to contact Cook, but are unable to get a reply".

Lets see how he gets on at Ashfield first, particularly when he doesnt make the gate against a strong pairing.

Glasgow have definitely got Kyle Howarth on a bargain average,  can see him adding at least a point to his season starting one 

Like you said each to their own & I know many people like finals, but I don't get excited about them as I feel the meeting should've been won by Worrall. I guess I feel like Harris was winning a competition set up to give a second chance for people who weren't good enough to win over a fair 20 heat format. I don't get the logic of rewarding riders who were near the top, but not the best. "Finals exist to not only crown the most consistent performer, but also the person who can prove it under pressure" I can agree they may prove who is the better under pressure, but finals don't crown the most consistent performer, Harris was quite inconsistent. You make a fair point about the mental aspect of a low pressure qualifying system vs an all-on-the-line-final, but if there was no final, then there wouldn't be a low pressure qualifying system. I agree the final can make an exciting end to the meeting, however they do take away a bit of excitement from all of the rest of the races, fans know that the first 20 heats aren't so vital. In Worrall's last ride instead of being excited about watching the Championship decider, fans know it's just another heat. So is a final "creating" excitement or just "transfering" it from elsewhere? Finally I was a Rye House / Arena-Essex but now really a neutral fan. I like the excitement of every race counting, not one more than others.

Depending on the heat 8 rules, might be stronger if he pulls out mid meeting. I'm not suggesting Lynn would plan that beforehand, just that Lynn are the one team who will cope with injuries better than anyone else. Even if a top 5 rider is out, wether it's r/r or IRR, having a strong reserve allows them to cover or even potentially be stronger.