Well, I cannot speak for the show costs, because my car is not ready yet. So I just walk up and pay $40 for a 2-day ticket, which doesn't seem so bad.
I don't really mind the disorganization too much, maybe because I have been there so many times (National Trail is only so big, and there's only so much they can do). And I'm not slagging the Nats overall (except the darn golf carts!). It just seemed like the whole thing was a little 'down' this year, compared to previous years. The number of cars racing was the smallest I've ever seen.
But I really go for the swap meet, and to see some top-notch cars and talk to their owners. Maybe I need to check out Carlisle next year.
-Tom