If you do not believe social stratification occurs with or without "white" enforcement, then I think that system of yours has killed a few brain cells.
I have been to plenty of car audio shows...flown around the country, etc. But I have never been to a show where I would feel my life would be in danger by some idiot running his mouth and another fellow using a gun to shut him up. They don't search people before the shows. Furthermore, it doesn't look like anyone is charging admission. The people that organize the various autosound competitions are BUSINESSES. What you are doing looks to be a CHARITY. I find it very problematic that you can compare an admission free event to one that charges $20 and requires me to fly 1,000 miles.
Another thing not considered is population densities. Most competitors are in smaller towns or communities, suburbs, etc. It seems it would be far easier to gather up 300 people in one of the largest cities in the world vs. 300 people in a town of 50,000.
If the people there are so willing to participate, why do the major autosound competitions not hold their World Finals there? If your magazine can get 300 people in 24 hours, then couldn't a major organization get 3,000? Hell, I'd go...never been to NYC and no real reason to go, but if WF was there...it would give me a good reason. FWIW, I have never been meetered, I just like to go.