One club in our area runs a box stock Apex 1/18 class. I think this is a great idea! One bad thing is they also still run a Mini class, what most consider another "toy" class. Too many toy classes and not many move up to competition classes. Another club in our area tends to start people out at "Prolite", a 21.5 1/12 class with PF12 bodies. This actually does work as people tend to move up to stock 1/12. But there is no "Go to the LHS and pick up this box". Even if this is the most efficient/cheapest overall way into competition racing, it's a bit intimidating to those walking in the door.
Personally, I agree with less classes and shorter club nights. 4 classes max. 4 minute heats, 6 minute mains. Save the the long race days for full race days.