mindspin, cq, whoever, why dont you just play the symantecs game like all big institiutions do that rely on donor money. Give progenix their "sponsor" status but allow some other companies to be "contributors", or "donors".
It would also be nice for members to be able to give 5 dollars to the pot if they want to. give em a tote bag whatever.

But..Making it an exclusive progenix event does give it a corporate feel even if you say it doesnt. In a world where everywhere you look you see advertisements and corporate identity, you can understand why some of us feel a little disappointed that it has come to getbig. But I guess money talks.