Everybody needs to take a deep breath... World guards and Open guards (back in the day) Have been folding due to finances since colorguard started. It is truley sad when it happens but it also allows for room at the top. I for one can name about a dozen or more that sited money as at least part of the reason they decided to fold or take a season off. Please keep in mind a World class program is completely life consuming especially during the months of Dec-April and the staff gets burnt out and needs a break. I do agree that cost are getting out of control, but some are fixed, buses hotel rooms, and the worst is practice facilities. Ask any World class directer how stressful practice site budgets are. Floors and flags barely scratch the surface of the budget in relation to practice sites.
With that being said, I miss so many colorguards that have gone away. I try to do my part sponsor a kid for part of their dues. Donate to my local programs when I can. We all just need to help support our favorites and help ease the burden they feel. World Class dues can not be $500.00 dollars anymore like when some of us marched, just like all the other prices that have more than doubled since 20 years ago.