I agree with you about the lower profile of the game since Sky took over the television contract. This has created a real contrast, as there's never been as much money in the game as there is now, but the profile is much lower!
I'd have to disagree with you about TMS, though. I really enjoy the current commentators and experts, especially the ones from overseas, who bring a different viewpoint to the matches. I'm not sure who you mean when you say "Brian Johnston or his hangers-on", but most, if not all, of the people involved then are now long gone. There's a new group involved now - go on, give it a go again, you may be surprised!