I actually could go to the NYE Party with my friend who does the on-off play thing. That person got invited, and I could be their +1!
I won't be there for NYE this year, though.
Even if I was, I wouldn't be interested in attending the party, as I would be with my young son, who could not go. Besides, NYE parties with strangers never really thrilled me.
I guarantee your expected losses dwarf mine by a massive amount (I'm talking expected, because that's how CET comps, and it's silly to factor luck into whether it was "worth" earning comps.)
You can have your NYE parties and freeplay offers, and I will stick to redeeming far more in comps than my expected losses.