I picked option #2. I went the last year it was in Milwaukee with a friend who was born there. It was a lot of fun, but now I feel like I've been there & done that. The costs: money, effort & time; don't outwiegh the benefits. That friend no longer games with me, although curiously he still wants to go to GenCon every year. The games I played were okay, but nothing was even as good as my regular gaming group here at home. The lines were much too long, even with pre-registration (I know that's supposed to be fixed, but the memory remains). The dealer room was awesome, but the money and storage space aren't there for me. I've got more than I need now. I don't need to add more. Plus, I know I wouldn't be able to talk anyone else into going. Two pwople at the con can be fun. A group of people is a blast in the making. They won't even go to regional cons, though; even when I travel to nearby cities where they live. The opportunity cost is much lower when i cna drive over & home in a day or over a weekend as opposed to a plane ride, food, hotel, etc.
I do regret that I have and will miss some things at GenCon. I would have liked to see a Colts game last year. I would like to get my hands on a copy of Deadlands Reloaded and Northern Crown this year. I would like to take a fun trip with friends. But, it won't happen. If i'm going all in for a GenCon, I would rather take in GenCon Barcelona combined with a trip to Spain.
I do regret that I have and will miss some things at GenCon. I would have liked to see a Colts game last year. I would like to get my hands on a copy of Deadlands Reloaded and Northern Crown this year. I would like to take a fun trip with friends. But, it won't happen. If i'm going all in for a GenCon, I would rather take in GenCon Barcelona combined with a trip to Spain.