I have been to six conventions since 2006. As a hard core chip collector, I really look forward to the experience. I enjoy talking to the regular people who collect what I do and hope to pick up a few crumbs of knowledge from the guys who have gone down the road before me. As for the cost of registration to the show, for me....It is simply is of little consequence. My biggest concern is the cost of getting there and staying for three or four days. Now that I am retired and don't have the cash flow I once did, going out every year is not going to be possible. My wife has gone out with me the last three times and has never even gone in to see the show. I do envy those who have wives that really enjoy the hobby as well they do. Perhaps, most of those couples are dealers who have a real business interest in things. For many of my age who live on the East coast or Midwest the cost of going to Las Vegas is rough.
I would think that any entrance fee into the show would keep the casual walk-ins to a minimum.
This is just my two cents. I probably don't speak for everyone.