I think what matters the most is what the players at major events want. No matter what, if you aren't sponsored, you're paying out of pocket to travel and compete. If you're sponsored, your trip may be paid for but there's a risk of time versus money. Getting a paid trip and then not coming out of pools means that time could've been spent doing anything else.
The love of the game and what you're willing to give for that love will conquer all else. Bigger prizes motivate the best of the best, while everyone else cheers.