We're noticing a few things as well. Erin mentioned something that is very concerning to us both as vendors and people who love comps. It seems that many of the events we are seeing now have become less about the event and more about the money. Charities are getting greedy as well as some promotors getting greedy and caring less and less about
all the people who also make these events possible. It doesn't surprise me in the least that Erin heard those comments from a promoter, we're hearing pretty much the same thing as vendors and have in fact heard something along the lines of "we don't care what happens, we've already got your money (entry fee)". Basically, "we've got ours so who cares".
Another part of that concern is if comp fees keep going up or there becomes a lot of big $$$ contests what will attract new teams or the real good teams that don't have the $300-$500 entry fees or are scared off by all the big teams chasing the big $$? New blood means new ideas, different tastes and many times, more fun. As for the older teams that just can't afford it, I'd surely miss 'em and the "newbies" would really miss some good mentors which would be a real shame!
I'm already hearing teams that are either A. Severely cutting the amount of comps this year or B. Not planning any at all.
I guess it comes down to you can either milk this for all it's worth now and kill off the cow or take it easy, don't get entranced by $$$ and keep the thing going for years to come.
I'd love to see the smaller events, backyard events,kids Q, throwdowns etc. That's how this sport will keep alive!