Great post, Cody. These are exactly the points I'm always trying to make to the Anarchapulco detractors. This year, I only attended like 15% of the talks. I wasn't there to hobnob with celebritarians--i was there to engage in quality time with the quality of people I don't usually have access to at home, outside of my immediate family.

Another point I would make is that the conference organizers make it so easy to participate. If you have a talent to share or an idea for a talk or event, you will most like likely be able to slip into the schedule somewhere, or even make it happen off-schedule and off-premises.