As I told you before, I went through the same thing. I had wished for you to avoid that, but I guess you're right that experiencing it for yourself would be better. Personally, with my current state in Steemit, SteemFest is far from an option, but to each his own. I sincerely do hope that you don't regret that decision later, brother. Perhaps you would make tons of new acquaintances there which would lead to you getting tons more votes on your posts. That would be fantastic if it would be the case!