I agree with everything you said, Bruce, except I disagree completely about where the 'REAL magic" happened. In my opinion, and I assume in the opinions of many of those who did not attend the conference, the real magic didn't happen at all.
I would agree that there is something to be said for the utility of those conversations that were had amongst those at the convention, particularly among those who were (I hope) discussing real plans for forward movement. However, the real magic that WE as the miners, sellers, and consumers who did not attend the conference wanted to see did not happen.
The magic we wanted to see was an explosion of media hype. We wanted all those amazing conversations converted into newspaper headlines. Why? Because the media has consistently gotten Bitcoin wrong. It has misunderstood the program, the theory, the consumers, the merchants (omg omg omg illegal drugs everywhere!!!) and because of this, we wanted our collective voice heard. We wanted investors to have a reason to get involved with Bitcoin.
Of course, it was beneficial for the Bitcoin Big Dogs to be there for each other for support and for communication about the future of Bitcoin. But I have a feeling that most of that was just "feel good" talk...talk that reassured you that you all weren't wasting your time or crazy (don't get me wrong, I'd feel that some REAL magic happened if I got to interview that chick from Bit-pay, too). The most common reason businesses or presidential candidates succeed is because they are known, and they are known through the media.
Beyond the hype, the ideas and theories supporting the businesses or candidates barely even matter...they are secondary. Because of this, Bitcoin must also be known through the media, and on a large scale. Otherwise, you end up with Ross Perot -- a guy with really amazing ideas and a common sense approach, but nobody will ever give a shit.
By the way, I love your commitment and your show. And, I want you to enjoy your conference high. Just please come down from it sometime and realize how important the media coverage really is.
Technology succeeds or fails regardless of media attention. The "media" is obsolete, irrelevant and corrupt, and relying on it to evangelize a system that directly threatens the monetary system they thrive on is a losing strategy. Media attention does not produce anything of value, only passionate and committed people who engage in those pursuits that benefit the technology and community will do so. Your expectations are what betrayed you, not the good faith efforts of others.