Jeff,
Respectfully, I think this is an apples to oranges comparison. My comment wasn't directed as to whether it was good for the TCA itself, but was it good for the dealers to be open to the public. In extension, is it good for the members (personally) to have a greater opportunity to purchase items from the dealers at York. The TCA will have to make their own guestimates as to the impact on their bottom line, and whether it matters to the organization. TCA would also likely have to factor in the value, if any, of promoting the hobby to none TCA members by having the dealer halls open to the public.
Josef asks some good questions, but I'm not sure (base on my experience with three dealers) whether they would be able to attribute what percentage of their sales to the public and what percentage to TCA members and their guests.
I think the bottom line is that if the dealers find it profitable (no matter the customer type) they may return to York. Otherwise maybe not. Those folks looking for exposure, MTH, 3rd Rail, etc. may based their decisions on other factors.
Jim
