I agree, and in case it's not obvious, you're looking at forking over $7k (I tried to keep costs down, to the extent that I stayed with my friend in Mountain View instead of a hotel) at minimum in order to come here (add another $2k for the return flight, but this is easy).

Whether or not it's worth it is a personal/company decision.

ETA: I suppose it's possible for US people to pull off the drill for less than $5k, but if you set the benchmark at 7, you will be okay.