Mike there is no evidence that Polytrack will hurt racing. Yes much of racing is losing corporate endorsements and that is due in large part to the increasing rate of catastrophic breakdowns that are driving away many fans or would be fans.
Before tracks make these major decisions they do careful research with focus groups including the whales and have found that the issue of breakdowns is making racing a poor product. Switching to a safer surface is not only the ethical thing to do but makes sound business sense. If people are already betting more despite the “chaotic” outcomes you describe they will bet even more when Poly form becomes established – the more difficult test period for Poly has passed and all the evidence is that this improvement will only increase in the future.
Racing is in bad shape and desperately needs some radical changes to come out of its coma. The problems that the racing industry faces are multiple and no one thing will make everything perfect. However, Polytrack offers some very positive improvements, both alone, and especially if combined with other solutions like stricter drug enforcement and breeding sounder horses. It is just one, but a very important, part of the picture to revive racing. We cannot let clinging to outdated tradition of anger over a few lost bets obscure the benefits of the surface. We can get used to a new and better tradition of safer tracks and adjust to a change in playing Poly form.

Of course, time will be the judge of this issue and since building on the success of tracks that have installed synthetic many more will install it in the future, we will see the results in numbers of lives saved as well as a boost to the sport overall. In any case, thanks for the discussion - it has brought out a lot of facts on both sides of the subject.

Bob