I would spend the $$$ on a game but we are talking about practice.
A: It's not merely practice. It means far more than that, Nick Saban has stated as much many times. The truth is that going to "big" Alabama games actually means far less, you know why? Those seats are going to be full, no matter what, unless you buy a ticket and eat it or something. If you go to A-Day, you're filling a seat, you're making an impact. It helps recruiting, it helps the players focus, but of course the less it matters to us, the less it matters to everyone else and the less of a positive impact we'll have.
B: You responded to my post about youth groups. Never, at any point did I say everyone, everywhere should go. If the people in the Birmingham area just showed up the place would be overflowing. I'd never try to guilt trip people in Alaska into driving down for A-Day, or trick them under the premise that it's free for them.
But... and this goes back to an earlier point made when comparing fan interest. Alabama fan's usually do good, in comparison to Auburn fans. But last year's spring game was embarrassing. Alabama was celebrating a national championship! Auburn was celebrating a terrible season and a new coach. Guess who was more excited? Guess who had more at their spring game? Guess who ultimately had the better season? It sure wasn't Alabama...
We can't refuse to take things seriously and then demand the team take things seriously. Is the spring important or not? Is A-Day important or not? The coaches and recruits think so... and that's more than enough for me to consider it important.
It's not for everyone, I get that. But just because it's not for everyone does not make it unimportant.