To me, bands who have their shit together and play in basements and dark bars have a responsibility to show stadium fans they can compete with stadium bands. Stadium fan sees non-stadium band and later supports more basement and dark bar shows.

and thats the whole point of the event. i agree that these pay to play shows are often unfair to bands, but 'stadium fans' are fans nonetheless and a majority of them are younger people who don't even know that a local scene exisits. and i also agree that it is the responsibilty of local bands to represent themselves at large events, thats how the scene is pushed forward. if more local band members/supporters went to shows both large and small and talked to fans there, they might establish a better 'following', not to mention expose people to the scene that may become long-time supporters of local music.