Yeah, from what I can tell, it seems like the line they used when they initially wrangled everyone into the room to ask for the cash was that the hotel hadn't been expecting so many people being dressed so strangely and panicked and asked for the $20,000 up front. But then in their "explanation" post they say that they'd owed the money all along but thought they were on a weekend-long payment plan and the hotel changed that on them without warning and then go on to claim that the hotel's been nothing but understanding and friendly and are looking forward to having the con back next year.

So ... even if there isn't something shady going on, these people clearly have no idea what they're doing wrt cons, money management, or professionalism and I wouldn't trust them with a single cent of my money.

On a lighter note, I was just at Anime Boston this year for the first time and it was one of the best con experiences I've had!