the main problem lies in politics and funding. I heard of some that request to be paid even
before they win the tournament and in most occasions I do believe they get paid. If these people that are willing to pay them actually step up to sponsor for tournaments, than we probably would have a brighter future in promoting the sport. Furthermore, some that actually used to sponsor tournaments (due to some personal reasons) have decided not to do so in future. There should always be a line between their own personal feuds and promoting the sport although in most cases they are correlated.
There are people be it ex chess players, chess enthusiasts, or even friends of chess leaders that are too much involved in politics that they actually derail the main objective of the chess association today. There should always be a balance between the two. Like a specific example recently, has caused lots of hoo-ha in the chess circle that is totally unnecessary. Specific players think that they are underpaid to represent the country. On the other hand, the management does not think so because not many people get the opportunity to represent the country and hence look at it as a privilege. Anyway, This is my opinion. It is easier said than done and I hope I did not offend anyone. If I did, I sincerely apologise.