I like the idea of a league though I haven’t given the logistics, scoring etc. much thought but some nice suggestions there to get the ball rolling, so to speak 
The current format of Manchester hockey tournaments and the EMU ones (next one, Winter Warmer, 20th January 2007) is of complete scratch teams, spreading the players out to have even(ish) teams. My initial thoughts if league games were to be played at these tournaments is that less experienced players may actually get more time on the ball. At the last 2 Manchester tournaments I’ve been to a beginners(ish) game has been played at the start which worked well in this respect.
So a tournaments format could consist of league teams playing each other and scratch non-league teams playing each other. Also, depending on numbers etc. some fun mixed team games as well. Just an thought.
As for SWUM on the 6th January 2007, I’m on holiday so I won’t be there 