I noted the same Steve.
I was also at 'Flying Legends' on Sunday, and at the American Air Show at the end of May. Both seemed to be substantially lower in numbers than previous shows. The 'new rules' following the Shoreham incident last year, also seem to have affected the flight axis distance, and the actual display patterns.
It might be that since the introduction of pre-ordered tickets only, attendance figures have dropped, but, at last years' BoB 75th anniversary show, the numbers seemed large to me, far more than the announced 50,000, and very noticeably larger than the 20,000 declared at the American show, more like I remember from shows in the 1980's and 1990's.
I met up with Gary (Geedee) on Sunday, and we both agreed that, especially for 'Legends', the attendance, and the line up, seemed less than previous 'Legends' shows, and the attendance in particular was noticeable.
I arrived on the field on Sunday at 08.05 hrs, and parked the campervan two or three rows back from the front row of the Disabled parking, between the TFC hangar and Airspace - probably directed to this spot so that the height of the van wouldn't obstruct the view for others - and there was still plenty of space, with it taking a good two or more hours before this area began to fill up with vehicles.
With the rain and wind in the morning, I didn't bother to 'reserve' a spot at the flight line barrier, deciding to stay with the comfort of the van's amenities, and view and photograph in comfort. But my mate Mick, wandered down to the flight line a couple of times, and reported that there was plenty of room at this end of the field.
However, I did spot a few foreign visitors I've seen at DX before, and there were some French, Dutch and German visitors on the camp site we use. The French couple had been attending for 21 years, and arrived without a ticket, not knowing that it was pre-ordered tickets only !
Fortunately, with the help of the Internet connection on the site, and Tony, the site manager, they were able to obtain tickets and car park passes in time
It's a pity I didn't know you were going, as you would have been welcome to come and sit with us, with shelter, free coffee, tea and soft drinks, or beer and wines if preferred, and food from the 'fridge !