I've personally never been too bothered by the 'International' aspect of the festival and in recent years I've thought that there were perhaps too many international guests, all of whom have to be paid and accomodated. The festival has grown in the 22 years I've been attending, and added more 'roots' and other music. I haven't been entirely happy with the way it's changed since my early days there, though I realise that the management were trying to make it pay, and without some of the changes we probably would already have lost the festival. On the other hand, I've always liked the fact that it was a big festival. Perhaps what I'd like, is to see it become a little smaller than in recent years, but not too small.
I must admit that, while the loss of the arena as a venue for performers doesn't particularly bother me as I've only ever been to two concerts there in all my year, but what I really regret and will miss terrribly, is the loss of the arena showground. I think a lot of other people will too considering the packed crowds that frequented it. I loved the range of goods and shopping you could do there, the kids' story glade, the punch and judies, the circus arts bits and so on, and it was yet another place for the childrren to go and enjoy themselves.
What I really want is the Sidmouth I used to know and love, but that isn't possible, so I think the answer is, a smaller festival, though still big and with as much variety and choice as is possible.