The point you're missing is the 3 day, the scott and the ssdt are all fiercly competitive and whether its in a championship or not the same top riders will always want to COMPETE.
A WTC is important to be the pinnacle of our sport and give the upcoming youth something to aim for, and to believe that when they win, as many British riders have, they are the best in the world.
Good luck to Toby Martin btw in Italy next week.
I would say the absolute opposite that most trials riders do take an interest, albeit a take it or leave it attitude, they will look at results etc.