I understand the concern about virgins, but seriously? A lot of you are acting as if ALL of the virgins will be unable to take care of themselves. I for one think that's rather silly. All of the virgins I've talked to have studied, learned, know the ten principles by heart and are working hard to make sure they are just as valuable. Hell, I know a few virgins who are doing their best to make an art piece, a camp, something to contribute to the playa.
I'm part of a theme camp and a virgin - But I want to make sure that I contribute as much as I possibly can. I've never met any of these people in the real world, but I feel a dedication to them and to making their theme camp absolutely awesome. WHY? Because I'm a virgin who wants to contribute, a virgin who wants to be well-read, and a virgin who wants to be valuable to the playa and the people of the playa.
Sure - There will be some ignorant people who have no clue what they're doing, but I know plenty of virgins who refuse to be THAT guy.
With that said, I'm very happy with the BMORGS decision, although I am a little perturbed about the 1 ticket limit on step. However, it's a step in a direction. Whether that direction is the correct one, I don't know and I'm sure they don't know. They've been doing what they can to make sure that everything works out, that they help as many people as they can. It's not easy making this many people happy, and you never will make all of them happy.
Burning Man knows that having the theme camps and art installments and art cars are important and they're trying to help the group that hurts the most currently. Yes, it is sad that you and your SO didn't get a ticket, virgin or not, but it seems like there are a lot of theme camps that need tickets horribly.
STEP will be a hard thing to deal with, especially for multiple people that used one card, but it's really important to remember that not everyone who has a ticket now will actually be able to go. As the good doc said, things happen. Best plan is to befriend people, make it known that you need tickets and hope that someone can help you out. Put yourself out there, because even if you don't get tickets to the playa, you could still be up for some awesome regionals and you'll make some good life-long friends.
2012 is going to be an awesome year, I bet. Dusty or not, the playa is all about self-reliance, and this year the ticket situation is also. Get on your game face and go for it in whatever way that you can! I WILL GET TO THE PLAYA. And I'll manage to bring my husband and friend as well.
(And a disclaimer: I am a virgin without the three tickets I need. But I know that I'll get them somehow - Sure, it's still up in the air. The theme camps may not get enough tickets to cover everyone, but I know in my heart that I'll get tickets somehow. Just want to make this disclaimer so I don't get flamed as someone 'Who just doesn't know my suffering because they have the tickets they need.)