Who are dealing with at PASS? I know Andy Warren (Lead for SQLSaturday and on the PASS BoD) well so I have an in there. I was also one of the leads for SQLSaturday #21 - Orlando so I know that PASS sent us some money as a sponsor. Also, according to the PASS board of director panel discussion at the Summit, President-Elect Rushabh Mehta, said PASS wants to partner with SQLSaturday and supports community events like it.

I think your issue is that you talked to PASS first so they are pushing a bit. What kind of support are you getting from them?