One thing I have been a little fuzzy about is exactly how much authority the race manager wields. Are race dates and rules his final decision? If so, when is the hand-off from club votes on prospective race series to the actual race series rules. Could a race manager change a race series from a spec series to an open series? Change what models are eligible? Can no changes be made without his permission? Presumably the race manager would make reasonable decisions, listening to opinions from the members.
In the case of the race dates for the Thunderslot series, I am willing to abide by the decisions of the majority of the members, particularly because, at this point, I am the one most affected. I would be fine with the original May 5th date, or the 26th, or any dates except for having races on both of the dates that I will be gone. However, if there are problems with alternates, and the will of the club is to have races on both the 12th and the 19th, I would be fine with that.