Bill,
Many of us are a similar boat, with the expenses to long distance events.
Most people now team up with others to share expenses of gas, rooms, etc. in many cases you can become part of a car pool as long and you can join the car enroute. Everyone wants to have help with the gasoline costs.
VSC is a "People" event as much as a flying event.
The Tucson people are also very helpful. Many are willing to share a room and/or floor space for an air matress.
I know that you have some Classic airplanes. I hope that you can make next year after coordinating with others.
Some people even leave there airplanes in Tucson, so their trip is easier with options of flying for future trips.
We all hope that you can get to VSC in the very near future. It is truly a family reunion, that everyone has to get to.