Since I'm hoping to go this year, I want to ask those of you that have gone in the past:

1 - How's the banquet? Worth going to?
2 - Can I buy chips outright from vendors?
3 - What if I don't have a lot of traders to bring?
4 - Does anyone get dressed up for any of these events, or is it all casual?
5 - Is there going to be a shuttle from the Riv to the Palms (for the poker/BJ tourneys)?

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated--thanks in advance!