Obviously the cash game has a far higher EV than the ME, but I think the OP is looking for the point at which the thrill of playing in the world's most famous poker tournament overcomes strictly EV decisions. I play poker for fun and for profit, but it's not an important source of income, so I'd play in the ME. I'd feel like I passed up more than an overlay; being in the ME is participating in poker history. Cash games are everywhere, but there will only be one 2006 ME.