In the D.C. area, Bob Thurston and I have excellent support from the major running specialty stores. He works with one leading chain, and I work with the other. These chains actually require all the races they support to get their courses certified.
In the D.C. area, Bob Thurston, John Sissala and a couple others have done such a good job certifying courses over the decades that no event deigning to take itself seriously would think of conducting its race on an uncertified course. Most races of 500 or more participants puts out a stack of copies of course maps at packet pickups and on race day. It is just an expectation around here. I see no reason why it should not be this way in any metropolitan area.
I do not reach out to RDs at all. They come to me. And to Bob. When I give them my fee and then I think I am hearing muffled choking sounds, I go into the "less than 2 entry fees per year and increased registrations" spiel. this seems to be effective. Over the years, I would say about 10% or so of RDs I have this discussion with decline certification.
Races have lots of slow runners these days. Many of these people are justifiably proud of going from the couch to a 5K. When they run their second 5K after losing more weight and training hard, and run a slower time on an easier course, they get confused or even upset. When they find out that their first 5K was not certified, then they have to wipe that glorious first race off their list of P.R.s. Runners these days spend a ton 'o bucks on races, GPS watches, training programs, software, etc. Runners of all types and speeds. Most of these people appreciate an accurate course. In MCRRC in Maryland, a poll of the membership years ago confirmed this.
If the average runner were not interested in distance accuracy, why would they be investing in this gear? Why would some manufacturers brag that their Gizmotic X-49B watch will record and map their running distance "precisely" if there were little concern about accurate courses?
My point about raising prices is that you would probably lose no customers. You are dealing with directors who already understand the value and would not think of conducting their race on an uncertified course.