I've generally made the decision that unless they change the M&G, I'm not going to spend the extra money this year. Most of my photos last year were lousy. The locations were terrible and extremely rushed. Plus, the PBS seats were not great. If they go back to two girls after the show, I'm back in again.
Of course, having said that, I already bought a M&G package in Tampa since that's where I live.
Some of the Christmas M&Gs are post show, but the cost of those packages are extremely high (San Diego is $1,000).