Mike, I believe you are correct with part of the fun of the trip being cruising together, however, I think the reason why the Edmonton folks would contemplate heading straight to Saskatchewan is that going down to Calgary first adds 2 more hours and 250 more km to the trip. Which isn't that much by itself, but turns a 8 hour drive into a 10 hour drive plus stops, etc, etc. So, that is most likely the reason why (imho).
So, part of the fun is enjoying the people on this trip, which obviously means getting to Calgary, vs enjoying the trip so you aren't too burnt out for some fun in Saskatchewan, which means heading straight to the Jaw. (We have one event lined up where we let a dog loose, watch it run away, and two days later when you can't see the dog anymore, we let another one loose!!!)
Personally, if I were in Calgary, I'd love to have the northern people join up, but being from the "northern" route of Saskatchewan, I would love it if the Edmonton folks could come and pick me up (along with any other Saskatchewan people I can get to come along) so I don't have to drive to MJ myself.
Should we start an items to bring list? However, outside of bringing two way radio's so we can all keep in communication, I don't know what else to suggest. I don't know, is anyone coming with an old enough Corvette where we need to worry about breakdowns? (I have CAA) but would we want to ask anyone who's Corvette is still under construction (cough, cough, TalyorSk8) if they could bring a truck with trailer and some basic tool, fluids, etc, just in case someone needs help on the side of the road?