Sorry to hear about the low turnout, but I think you nailed it regarding the reasons. I went to some self-drive open houses at a recent NMRA convention where only a couple of people showed up - just too much driving, I guess. Does your local NMRA division have an open house day?
And major congrats on the toe - so glad to see that it looks fairly normal. Last night (before seeing that post), I had a dream where two of my toes just disappeared. Probably have you to thank for that one!