What a mess! By all accounts it sounds like a typical RunDisney ham-handed attempt to make a change for the better in the worst way possible. I'll start with the statement that I don't stop for characters during the run and I don't like pictures of me running, or in any situation, really. It's always seemed odd to me that so many people wait so long in lines for characters during a "race" to the extent of being unable to complete said race in many cases. I would also be interested in how many people cheat on PoT and corral placements in an attempt to allow themselves more character picture times. I run RunDisney to run through the parks. Improvements that can be made to keep races flowing on course would be welcome.
That being said, I think improvements could be made without compromising the RunDisney experience. Here's what I think they SHOULD have done:
1. Remove the character photo stops from the race (bear with me for a moment...)
2. Increase the number of "displays" on course with things like the Endor scene from SWDS this year, the "legacy" ride displays from the WDWM, non-photo op characters (characters in the distance or up on trolleys/stage waving), and video boards with movie/cartoon clips and music relevant to the theme to name a few options
3. Set up pre- and post-race character photo op lines at the start/finish lines like SWDS has done both years so that runners can get their character photos in their running gear without impeding the flow of the race or jeopardizing their ability to finish the race
This approach would improve the flow of the race, leading to more finishers and less sweeping (at least due to time lost to character stops), while allowing runners to get the character photo ops with PhotoPass photographers. It would also meet their contractual obligation to provide characters and entertainment on-course. Nowhere does it say you are guaranteed photos with the on course characters in my quick read of the website. It could be a win-win.
Granted, it would only be a win-win if RunDisney is being honest about their reason for the experiment. If this is really a cost-cutting experiment in disguise, this wouldn't work for them, so it's really down to what their true intentions are...