I think a lot of damage has been done by the two BSkyB Salesmen - Eddie and Stevo who, over the years, have deliberately diminished the status and history of the Challenge Cup Final in order to maximise The Grand Final. Well of course they would, wouldn't they? Anything that sells more BSkyB digiboxes will, presumably, increase their end-of-season bonuses (or am I being too cynical?).
The Challenge Cup Final belongs to the RFL, and it is up to them to agressively and effectively market it.
But.....Rugby League gets loads of money from BSkyB doesn't it? Or am I being cynical again?