Do not let this year's ticketing challenges stop you. Create what you create, regardless of whether others will see it/ hear it etc. Maybe this year's project will not the largest in measurable size, but that does not mean it will not have profound significance now or in the future. You will learn something, made you will learn more than you expected. It's justified to be flustered by our situation, but I'll be damned if this gets between you and your friends building awesome art and growing closer while doing so.
Obviously, there are hundreds of situational considerations that I'm not mentioning here. However, generally speaking, I strongly believe you haven't "wasted" your several thousand dollar investments in your various projects. Not unless you really feel that way.
Travel expenses are another story.
----------------
Far-out recommendation for ticket demand issue: Move Burning Man to DEATH VALLEY in JULY or AUGUST (who cares if the heat is dangerous? we're all grown-ups with fancy technologies to prevent dehydration).
I'm new to the forums so sorry if this is the wrong thread...
