Search Engines Strategies - You Are Losing Me

Before I dive into this I just want to say that 3 years ago last August I went to my first ever SES conference in San Jose, California and it really changed my life. I met so many amazing people and learned so much from it. Also in the last year I have spoken at 3 different SES events and have had a blast doing it. But it should also be noted that until I started speaking 1 year ago I have always paid for full conference pass(es) to the tune of just under 20,000$ from SES alone in the last 3 years (at some shows I took up to 4 people). So I have supported it financially as well as talked about it a lot on my radio show and blog. With that said... lately I have been disappointed with them. First they let Danny Sullivan walk (I think this December Chicago SES is his last event for SES ? ). Danny's words:

I'm leaving Search Engine Watch as of December 1, given that its owner Incisive Media and I have been unable to agree on terms to renew my contract. I'm also leaving the Search Engine Strategies conference series at the end of this year.

So that was disappointing but... shit happens. Sometimes it just does not work out. Lets move on. 2 months ago Incisive Media announced its "Advisory Board" for the Search Engine Strategies conference. As you can see on the page the group of "Advisors" for the conference are lots of Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and all kinds of fluffyfock upper management titles from huge companies. I do not recognize anyone who ACTUALLY DOES SEARCH. All I see are the exact type of people that used to make me want to jump off a ledge at my 9-5 corporate job. How in the hell are these people the "advisors" to select speakers and stuff that people want to see? Ok last thing. As you all know this year's Pubcon and Search Engine Strategies are on the same dates. I was slated at first to attend SES but then after learning they are no longer compensating speakers like they have been in the past it made a super easy decision for me. All these things combined just really leave me wondering what direction Search Engine Strategies is going. I do not see myself being a part of it in the future if they continue on this course. What do I matter though ;) Just a stupid bloggers opinion.