Honestly I have never been to Harrogate or to Sutton so cannot comment on how passionate they are, but was at the Sutton game at Sixfields and those that attended seemed passionate to me. Passionate does mean lots.
What I meant by those 3 was loyal fans (sort of). I don't see increased attendances for a local team doing well as bandwagon jumping as was suggested about Harrogate and Sutton. I would guess that that majority that attend now they are in the football league are locals. I was saying that the increased attendances for Brighton will mostly be locals fans where as the increase in Man City fans from when we played them in the league will be people that live anywhere but Manchester and like to support a rich and winning team.
In summary... Harrogate & Sutton not embarrassing, Brighton and Cardiff not embarrassing. Chelsea and Man City embarrassing.
As much as I would like to be playing Championship teams I dont find it embarrassing to play anyone. Notts County show that history and loyalty dont mean anything unfortunately.
It's absolutely true that numbers doesn't always equate to 'passionate'. I'm fairly well placed to comment, as well as travelling all over with the Cobbs, been part of the Oxford City Shed Enders for years (though haven't managed a game since lockdown - St Albans away hopefully) who as around 15-20, travel with the Hoops putting most clubs (including NTFC) to shame with their repertoire of songs and banter.
Nevertheless, 'passionate fanbase' is something else. Community, city, town driven...Pompey, Sunderland, Stockport and definitely, Hereford. Small city of 40,000 yet regularly get 3000+ in tier 6!