To me it isn't dropping an event, it is replacing it or even upgrading it.
I don't even really like cross country.
Never cared much for running it and never watched World XC.
I have watched and enjoyed some of the great 10,000m track battles.
But, I think if you take the same field of runners that would run the 10,000 on the track, put them on a XC course, add the 5000m runners that wouldn't normally double plus the steeplers and add some 1500m runners and also make it a team scoring event, not only would I be excited to watch it but it may bring more people in.
The World XC Championships never has all of the top runners.
Put it in the Olympics and you will have these top guys going at it.
Earlier I said to put it in the first week before track begins.
But maybe make it on the last track day with the relays but have it in the morning. These guys wouldn't mind doubling back for this.
I woudn't be that happy to see the 10,000 track event go away but you would need to take it away to ensure the top athletes gravitate to the XC event and make it good.