Didn't have an experimental LG section - Urban/Rural Magazine one was real.
Overall, I could have done better (already signed up for September), but it wasn't nearly as brutal as I feared. Couldn't have even made a dent in it without this course!
I live in a city where the average daily commute is an hour each way, so driving sounds fine to me! However, you should do what makes you feel the most comfortable. I would personally want to sleep in my own bed.
EDIT: I now have a conflict and will be unable to attend, but hope to be able to attend the next one. I am removing my comment so that someone else has a chance to participate.