Your "The slightly more complicated answer" give a good view... but i think that focusing on money is a wrong way to "filter" partecipations. Would be much bet

Your "The slightly more complicated answer" give a good view... but i think that focusing on money is a wrong way to "filter" partecipations. Would be much better to ask for some code, like a job interview... something like InterviewStreet. Focusing on money will block a lot of people to move since (say) moving from europe to an SF conference might cost almost, and i think it's a price that not everyone, even talented people, can afford.