This thread is rapidly going off course, and will probably disappear soon.

That said, if you want to participate in a FT dinner, you pay your share, and often a bit beyond that. You NEVER let the organizers pay out of pocket and you NEVER ask for special treatment.

I often don't care for the menu at a FT dinner, but that is MY problem, not that of the organizers. If I chose to join the event, I pay and eat what I can. (I once paid $26 USD for nothing but tap water, not even wine or soda. The point is, everyone else thought the food was wonderful and had a great time, even ordered seconds, which is what it is all about. But I didn't do that one the second time around )