Jim,
Come out anyway - soak up some of the atmosphere, and maybe even take some video of the green group which you can trade for favors later
Potomac uses Summit's corner workers. In fact, most PCA regions do this now. Some regions have work assignments for all DE participants, which usually means gate duty or pit duty. I think its a good idea, but Potomac does not do it now. I think they used to in the past, but not sure on that - certainly before my time.