[arrrg]

Seems pretty simple, actually. Apple has stripped away anything away that might not be the best incentive to go to WWDC (both from your perspective as well as the perspective of Apple who only have limited spaces). The talks and keynote should never be a reason to go there since we have the technology to spread that to everyone without any loss in the process. Also, no silly valuable presents to reward participating for no reason in particular.

So only go if you have substantial and important questions to ask to help you solve some problem – and, as always (and unavoidably) with any conference, for networking. The cost is there to further encourage you not to waste that opportunity.