Indeed, it would be better for all players to play against similar competition every week rather than some weeks they win or lose 10-0 and thus learn nothing and some weeks where it is a battle.
Northern needs to stop listening to the clubs and just do it, I think part of the problem is some clubs don't want the change for reasons that aren't about developing players and more about ego and titles.
If you want to develop players and get a larger pool, you won't get that at the moment. The best players in the best team have their development hindered if only 12 of their 24 matches are competitive and the other 12 are too easy. Same with less skilled players, they won't be able to develop if half of their games the other team is far too good for them.