I see that real information (as opposed to personalised conjecture)is now the major part of this thread and that's good in my opinion.

I find that the vast majority of the queries regarding the official festival are answered on the website. I am also informed (and oombanjo confirms this!) that contact with the office usually receives a factual and helpful response.

Regarding the multiple choices that people are faced with. What a clever marketing ploy that is! Lots of people are almost invariably going to want to be there every year if only to get to that particular workshop / presentation / event at least once before they head for the big ceilidh in the sky.

slainte