It's the same at any level and been so since the late 70s early 80s.
The Club i played for back then had a great setup back then with 2 teams with most of the players being from the town or near about . great setup and the first club in the South Devon League to install floodlights. Great times for the club with both teams having some success. Clubhouse was doing a trade everything was good.
Then as you say Kid "know your level" A new league was formed, Devon County League. Money was put in the team witch was entirely from Plymouth won the league. Locals had no interest and within two seasons the club was back where they started.