Looks to me they couldn't get the numbers to make the event viable, hence they jack up on price and the unfortunate cancellation.Honestly the 125 didnt bother me... freebies, open bar, food, donation to IH. I dont think the 125 was about the profit. The real reason it was cancelled, that may be another story.
I don't think these folks organised the event to scam people because let's face it, there's far easier way to walk away with more takings. For starters asking for a high ticket price is hardly a good lure to scam people...