I too don't mind the competition. The reasons why it exists is obvious - the majority of L1/L2 teams will be out of the FA Cup and League Cup at the first and second round stages and an extra cup competition keeps the season's interest up and potentially adds something to the coffers. Having three games guaranteed is a worthwhile move and I think our approach to it in recent years has been really good. It's given a taste of action to those coming through from the youth team and we've used it as a springboard for those returning from injury to get a start. If anything, it was disappointing that we exited so early last season. We could have done with an extra match or two for the likes of Forde, Josh Johnson and so.
I wouldn't get complacent though. If the top sides see an opportunity to improve their position (often at the cost to other teams), they will use it and that includes meddling in the EFL Trophy. If they say in a few years time 'we've had U21 teams in the Trophy for a decade now. Why not have them in the League?' I would not be surprised. Apathy will allow that to happen.
That said, the Greedy Six have bigger fish to fry. An influx of American owners will surely soon form a cabal to bring English football in line with US sports so that the big clubs cannot fail, be that missing out on qualification for the lucrative Champions League, seeing a team like Leicester unexpectantly break their grip on winning the title or - worst case scenario - being relegated from the PL. They want to avoid those things and by influencing the law makers and organisers, they're very much getting their way.
An ESL is still bigger a priority for them rather than U21 teams in the EFL (money talks and returns on that would be massive), but if it strengthens their position to get what they want, you bet your bottom dollar they'll use it.
