On the other hand, there is a middle ground. Ad Astra I think was optional. Columbus did things like not show up at the preceding to the vote Worldcon and had a nigh-content-free webpage for a considerable time. They dropped off the radar so far I was genuinely surprised to see them still bidding at LACon.

I was even more surprised at the number of first round votes they got, and honestly am still trying to figure out where the heck that number came from. If LACon had been on the East Coast such that a majority of con attendees would've considered Columbus the closest and/or most drivable to bid, I'd at least have a clue, but getting that sort of support at a West Coast Worldcon after their lack of bid campaign? I'm stumped.