I've been in 3 different branches.
Not been in any for probably 7 years as we prefer to travel independently.
Never needed to attend any meetings when wanting to travel to away games with the branches.
I'm not going to carry on with this though. Everyone knows what goes on at some branches, like I say, it's a bit of a racket.
However a lot, infact the vast majority of blues I've met over the years that are members of the OSC and travel regularly with their branches are undoubtedly some of the most loyal, committed and knowledgeable blues I've met. Whether they've got the points, are gold SC holders or not even SC holders at all doesn't matter. They're blues through and through.
Manchester City of 2023 are a different beast to that of even 10 years ago and the club probably need to bring the away ticket distribution criteria up to date with the new demand. My view is that an OSC allocation is outdated and it'd be fairer if those tickets went into the general pool of tickets for everyone that qualifies.
From my experience, the vast majority of the blues that travel with the OSC branches that I've travelled with in the past would qualify for the vast majority of games that go on sale to points holders anyway so there's almost no need for any additional tickets I'd assume.