It does feel much more like a corporate manufacturers showcase these days,rather than enthusiast led. I miss the vibe of the first two events that I went to run by Nadeem. The forerunners of CanJam. Nadeem did a fantastic job of bringing people together.It won't be the same without packing a suitcase full of gear padded by clothes
The dilema is unchanged though - the £250+ for transport and hotel could go a long way towards buying something but buying 'deaf' is a gamble. I guess you now socialise in the queue to get to vendors' stands?
Having said that most people are friendly if you do strike up a conversation. No tables with people trying out each others gear though. I'm not sure I would spend £250 on going but how else are you going to listen to stuff?