Chris, This "country club" attitude is why I attend few, if any PCA events these days. There seems to be a very enthusiastic group in CASCADE region, but mostly based in the Grants Pass area, pretty far South for you or I. Still, I send in the dues, just in case. Maybe it's traditional now, since I joined in 1967...
Have you ever been to a Parade? If not, I suppose it's something everybody should do at least once. That said, I won't be in Portland next summer. Been there, done that. A warning though...you will find the "country club" attitude very much in place at a Parade. Many people, but not all, in PCA are not enthusiast gearheads these days, they're...well, something else. As far as events escalating in cost? I guess human nature comes into play here, but I know what you mean. The funny part for me is that now that I've reached a financial state that I could go to these events, I don't want to. I don't want to buy a gold rolex either.
Good luck in whatever decision you make.