Initially, interest will drop. It's still happening but if you want to spread the game then it's the only way. Qualifiers are a joke because it's based on ranking. Associate teams need to play against big teams but a regular bilateral tour is tough due to schedule so why not give them a chance to participate in WC? At least allow a minimum of 4-6 team associate teams, even if you are going with the same qualifier rule.
As I said the less interest from the viewers force the entity to keep system like this. I do want to see the growth of many countries in the cricket while imagine India is one of the country cricket is the considered to be a festival even there we can see no support for neutral teams like what we witness in Eng vs NZ opening match the stadium looks completely empty.
It's time for the England to book their tickets and starts to make the necessary actions to their team and its really pathetic situation for the defending champions.