Some people lost their pensions in 2005, some had expensive health problems with no health insurance, while others lost their jobs... Some never have enough funds available for 4 days of chippin, and gamblin!

--------------------------------------------WARNING! PRETZEL LOGIC ALERT!---------------------------------
Why can't we just stay where we are comfortable, and not argue about this every year? The thing that jumps out to me; those that argue to support the club by staying at the Riviera, probably find that argument easy because they like the Riviera!

It is somewhat rude to say "stay at the Riv, support the Club" to those that don't care for the Riv, as it's like saying; support the Club, even though the Club booked the convention into a hotel you don't like. Couldn't the opposite argument also be made; that if you don't like the Riv, you should show the planners that fact by not staying there? In effect, voting with your reservation?

Also remember, there are a fair # of gamblers in our ranks... Many of us get free room offers, which is very attractive if you don't have unlimited funds for chips and gaming! I'll probably have free room offers from Mandalay properties, Harrah's properties, and maybe the Wynn like last year - all of those are superior to the Riv in quality (IMO), AND save my budget $$$ for chips, playing, & SPLASHBAR refreshments...

Of course, there are a multitude of ways to subsidize the Convention, you could:
-charge $8 entrance fees to those booked at the Riv, and charge all others $35 per day.

Also, if one wants to argue that we need to support the club by staying at the Riv, couldn't these arguments be made as well?
-that we should do all our gambling at the Riv, and make sure the Pit crews know we are with the Convention at the Hotel?
-that we should eat all our meals at the Riv, charging the meals to our rooms so that the Hotel knows we are a good Convention to book?

The arguments can go on, and on - Spa stays, Concierge services etc, etc. Bottom line, if the Club has correctly guaged the wants & desires of the majority of it's members, then these arguments are moot, because the majority of members will then follow-through and stay there.