Discussion: depleted WOC and Long distance allocations

The number of countries competing this year is (understandably IMO) around 10 short of recent champs, and some who are present have smaller teams than usual (which will effect relay fields). Has there been any thought about the impact this might have on the calculations for Long distance allocations in 2023 and 2025? I can't see this making much difference in the transfer between tiers 1 and 2 (as the expected top individuals and relay teams are mostly present), but it could be significant in the tier 2/3 exchange. I don't think it would be right to discard this year completely - a nation should still be potentially rewarded for a surprise top 20 result for example - but it doesn't seem fair to penalise non-attendance or weakened teams this year. What I'd like to see is either:

Promotions but no relegations for the 2023 and 2025 allocations (after which this year exits the calculations), OR

Calculations for '23 and '25 use results from last 3 'forest' WOCs to dilute the impact of 2021.

Probably the latter seems more sensible to me. Any other thoughts? Including arguments that it's unnecessary? (preferably supported by maths which I think in this case will be simple enough even I'll be able to understand)

Promotion but no relegation for 2023 is already decided.

Thanks Blair - I should do my research before posting. Or just bask in my ability to independently come up with what the right people see as good ideas! ;-)

All the countries' teams were able to respond to a survey about promotion and relegation this year, so IOF did get the athletes' input (or, perhaps in some countries, the leaders' input; the US solicited opinions from the athletes).