8 days of auction ? Wow...and a 4-day convention. And they charge for it....most other big shows (Long Beach, FUN, ANA) are free, are they not ?
Many shows charge an entrance fee. Many are free as well. The ANA show, for example, charges $8 a day for general public, but is free for ANA members. FUN is free for general admission, but you can buy an "early bird" pass that lets you in a couple of hours early to get a jumpstart.
Honestly, I don't see the point of the early bird passes. I think you get in one hour earlier. The day is already long enough! Others may have a different opinion.