I got mad and that same night, ragebooked a flight and hotel in the south of Spain for next year's one, at that point I still managed to find something that was only somewhat overpriced but not outrageously so. If next year's plan also fails somehow, it will be a signal that I need to go to Beijing in 2035.
Meh! This is what I'd heard and what I was hoping for (though certainly not counting on). In the end it was little more than a beautiful sight. A genuinely stunning sight, no arguments about that. But there was no "eerie wind". The birds and insects did not "go crazy" (they continued chirping as if nothing was up). The experience did not move me metaphysically. But again: a very beautiful sight indeed.
On the other hand, we didn't plan at all, threw some plans together the same day, ended up on the top of a parking lot from Mercadona outside of Tarragona somewhere, and it was magical, about 60 seconds of clear totality and no clouds as far as the eye could see :)
Do it, worst case scenario you've seen more places in the world!
There is a cost to be paid - somewhere, by someone - of mindless travel. I know this is not a popular position but it's true.
I would correct your advice to: "Do it if you are not too far away". Otherwise enjoy the photos. The real thing is not so very different. I speak from experience too.
But yes, YMMV depending on your personal circumstance, don't do it regardless of other constraints you might have :)