Skip it, It's a waste of $ that you could spend on your hike. If you do the hike, then decide next year if you want to spend the $ to come back and socialize about something you already did. Focus on the hike, not the pre-hike BS. IMHO
One of the interesting things about The Gathering is that you'll meet in person a lot of the people you have met on line. You might find that the in person encounters will affect how much credence you will give to their on-line advice.
If not NOW, then WHEN?
ME>GA 2006
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=3277
Instagram hiking photos: five.leafed.clover