The Tony Awards will NEVER appeal to a mass audience. Heck, small numbers watch the far more accessible Oscars. People simply aren't interested in things they have no connection to. Even people that see one or two shows a year don't have a vested interest. The Oscars this year (while up from the previous 2 years) was still ranked as the 3rd lowest viewing.
Can't tell you how many negative comments I've seen about Hollywood awarding Hollywood.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.