You forgot the third head of the monster - the CREAM -$$$$$. Egos politics and money. The State, Reg and National Cup over the years have lost their luster, I think mainly due to all of the championships at every turn for ECNL, NPL etc. Plus all of these showcases and national events that the various leagues hold in tourist spots. Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Palm Coast on and on. It is hard to beat that with State Cup games in Huber Heights vs. local yokel teams with a couple beast players booming the ball. ODP has also been killed by these other opportunities, as well as mismanaged.
Why not just ditch the whole process and use OS State league competition to determine who goes to Regional? Play all teams 2X and winner goes on. Or if you must have it, top 4 play a 1-4, 2-3 semi then a final, one weekend only the weekend prior to Memorial Day. I think it would help ease the ref problems doing it that way, but just a thought.