[StuartD]

I wasn't able to go either which way... however...

after last year, the only reason I would have gone would have been to see friends that I haven't seen since the last convention. And that's it.

If you have your yearly routines where you see old friends and have some great parties and dinners, then by all means... go for what you go for. But if you go in hopes of having an actual convention where you learn stuff and meet new people... don't bother.