As a track owner and an observer with a fairly good novice turn out every week, I also would love to see something different offered. And I agree that a sealed 540 motor and a spec 2400 pack would probably be ideal for beginners. But it would only work if the manufacturers supported it by putting this in the RTRs instead of the bunk mods they do now.
I don't think theres anything wrong with the stock class as it stands. Although if the batteries and motors hadn't progressed like they have I believe a lot more people would run mod. At least in my area. Once upon a time there was a couple lap per race difference between the two. Now they are very close.
I DO NOT feel in any way that lipo and brushless is killing electric. When the technologies catch on they will offer faster and more lengthy racing at a more affordable cost.