I'd be very suprised if Bernie had anything to do with the negotions with Brands Hatch, Spa and Estoril, aside from not trying to sabotage them, as none are Formula 1 venues anymore, and probably never will be again.
It's well below mediocre now. Ferrari's actions at Austria and Indy, whether you agree with them or not, really angered a lot of people who just aren't watching now. Especially with touring cars putting on much better shows.
The finances are the most unstable part of F1, though. It's a series built for a bull economy, and with this global recession, we've lost Prost and Arrows, and I'd argue that Jordan and Minardi won't be back in 2004, maybe not Jaguar either given Ford's troubles.
As far as not trying to work against F1... I say they can have 3 races in the Americas, where CART dominates (and needs to expand southward), and CART gets 3 races in their European territory. Put that in writing, and I think you've got an arrangement both can live with.
Y'know, they said Enron was great stock to buy....