Totally agree with that. I would have done the exact same thing. Fact is we had great time at a great event and would do it again. For some it has never been about the money, it is about perceived value for the money. They are totally different.
There is room for improvement on the inevitable growing pains. I believe you can be a fan / supporter of an organization while still allowing there is places things can and should be improved, I can’t imagine that would be a controversial thought.