Yes, if it is constructive. Some of the replies were indeed.
We're also asking athletes as far as they are member on our FB page. Emailing a few thousand people wouldn't be feasible.

As for the mandatory jersey: it's a deal with the authorities who want to know who is part of the event. It's been done before at Italian GF like Pantani or Coppi with several thousand riders.

I do understand much of the criticism here if your experience is based on other so called "Gran Fondo" events or Century rides. Nothing at all wrong with them but definitely something on a different scale. We spoke to Giro d'Italia director Angelo Zomegnan for two hours last Monday and he said GFNY is currently one of the most exciting events in the world.

I appreciate constructive criticism and am happy to answer your questions. Also, I do understand if events like GFNY are not your thing or you think $200 are too much. It's a free country. In a different thread someone offered to organize a ride for $10 without aid stations, prizes, closed roads or stiff competition.
I'd be in, no doubt. I even think he should organize the bagels and coffee for free. I'm also organizing free Mile run races called MZUNGO MILE (www.mzungo.org). We need more community based stuff like that.

But, I digress.