I wasn't there this year, but I'll comment as a person who might be able to come in 2014.
For me, it's all about competitive constructed play. I recognize that not everyone is like me in this, but this is what drew me to Gencon back in 2008 and has kept me eager to come each year since then. To me, the magic of Gencon is all about non-stop high-competition SWM for 4 days straight. I can play "for fun" games on Vassal forever (and even with my kids), but it's never the same as playing in a competitive tournament. Therefore, for me, this is where it's at:
-Championship (Friday is a great day for it)
-Jedi Challenge (please, never 100pts again!!!!!)
-Sith Trials (see below)
Also, I REALLY missed the 500pt Epic tournament last year (on Sunday morning when the Champs Playoffs were) and I would've been sad to miss it this year too (it wasn't even in the line-up). I know that 500pts is hard to fit in. My suggestion, if you want to fit the 500 in there, is to adjust the Sith Trials to be this:
-Mystery Map (always great)
-Tile Wars (always great)
-500pt Epic Skirmish (drop the LS/DS event)
One of the biggest criticisms against 500 is the amount of time it requires, but I think that doesn't need to be a problem. Here are my suggestions for the 500pt format at Gencon:
-Keep games to 1 hour. There is no need to give people 90 minutes if....
-Gambit is 25pts, only score-able by a piece 25pts or higher.
-Full wins are awarded for those who've scored 350pts+ and more than their opponent.
Honestly, the Sealed event wasn't all that great last year (I've never liked sealed events), but the minis were *awesome.* So I'll still continue to play in the Sealed event, but just so I can get the minis. I'd prefer it if there was some way to get the minis without having to play in a 4-hour event; maybe next year I'll sign up for Sealed, and then drop and hit the dealer hall after the first round if I don't have a good squad.
Also, as much as I enjoyed the Royal Rumble event, I think I preferred the 3-man Team Tournament for the 3 years beforehand. I think that's mostly because there's more teamwork involved in the original Team event (deciding which matchups each player will face).
BHC, of course, is an excellent event; it even draws in Teddy-Graham-wielding children!
I recognize that not everyone is like me (a competitive play junkie), and that's fine. But this is what will draw me to Gencon in 2014.