1. See IanB's explanation 2. Nobody knew before those who were going to buy season tickets had bought them...people who paid for their season tickets had the belief and expectation that Ellis was going to be #1 for the season...until he wasn't. 3. Let's not complicate matters by introducing a third rider into the mix.

Not sure Ellis being "too big" is any of our business. Just an image of his face will do 🤪

No - I have a photograph of Ellis in the pits at Perry Barr at the time. I wanted to post it here, but it seems that it was too big. And your last sentence is also wrong: I for one certainly knew that Ellis' signing was intended as being temporary.

Ok. Thank you.

£100 I believe was the initial ask 

I wonder if the person who heads up the bank, is named 'Simon'? 🤔