[TheBlueMarvel]

@The Happy Mask Salesman
I think I can appreciate what you are saying. The spectacle and excitement surrounding large cons like SDCC and NYCC make these events the 'Superbowls' of comic culture. Soaring gate prices place the event out of reach for most thanks to people that want to take advantage of the scenario. Should you determine that you are willing to pay the exorbitant ticket prices, the 'cultural happening' quality of the con draws massive amounts of people resulting in you standing in line more than actually experiencing any comic ambiance. In that scenario, I can understand the expectation that exclusives better be worth the hassle.

I don't go to large cons like NYCC anymore. A couple of buddies and I have taken to going to smaller cons. For a few years now, we have attended cons in Hartford (CT), Jersey, and even PA (if we can work the trips into our schedules). The smaller events still have the feel that conventions had as a child. You won't be getting any exclusives at these venues, but you pointed out that NYCC is offering less of that each year anyway. This format works out for me because I order any exclusive I want online and visit small cons for the culture. However, this method may not suit everyone....