I think more recognition for Mountain Biking, in-particular Downhill, could only cripple the sport, even more.
What positive outcomes does recognition really have? You'd get more people (potentially riding bikes), meaning that environmentalists would be going bat shit berzerk. Outside non-biking related companies (this is already happening) would start getting interested for purely MONEY purposes and change the sport. It's influence on young people would somehow incur changes in the sport to make it more user-friendly. Same thing happened to AFL. There are many more as well.... but, another time.
If rider's or the athletes feel they need more appreciation from a wider audience for what they do, then they genuinely don't appreciate the supporters they have now.
I would suggest you look at places like canada and the US who have more exposure of the sport, with more riders and more support it may bring up environmental probles but that also brings up the push for more legal trails, it brings to the tabel more reason to build proper riding trails or for ski mountains to expanding into the summer sport. NZ has great support from the government and they have dh trails built which are legal and signed for riders to give way, its developing over there to be a genuine sport and recreational activity.
Its fairly in the shadows here in australia with those out of the riding circles having no idea what it is.
Its not so much of wanting recognition but been recognized. Its one thing to want something and to deserve something. Riders are probably happy with the recognition they get at the end of the day we don't ride for recognition but for love of the sport but they still deserve recognition for been the best in the world and achieving what they have. if we can recognize golfer who make a top 70 cut and swimmers who won their heat and virtually every other form of world champ qualifiers and final im sure we can give some respect for world competitors and the journey they take in the sport.
I will bluntly say right now riding takes more skill than running 100meters or other sports, they both take 100% dedication for the athlete but riding encompasses so many more factors that the athlete needs to be highly trained and skilled in where others tend to have very few focuses. Riding also has the external uncontrollable variables which makes it even more difficult to adapt to the unknown on your run and come out victorious.
I 100% believe its on par with the best of those like f1 (some how these guys managed to control like 50 sub settings on that steering wheel while doing 300km/h I wonder how much more dangerous that is than texting aha.)
Passion aside its not about flaunting the sport its just about giving recognition where its due to the athlete.