Several data points:
- The plebe is going to have to be there anyway, it's not like they can leave for spring break early.
- It's the best/only opportunity to see the cadet's internal world (Barracks, day rooms, central area, etc) until graduation. And maybe not even as much then.
- Only chance to systematically meet your cadet's Professors early on.
- It's also the best chance to see the Dining hall (Behind the scenes, lunch, and banquet), Uniform Factory, IOCT demo, Cow Drowning demo, Arvin gym, etc. You'll have other banquets, but never another lunch as the cadets dine. And the opportunity to be guided through the dining hall when empty, and hear the history & traditions was fantastic.
So for us, the hop/dance was only a very small part of the weekend.
It's not about seeing your plebe, that's A-day weekend, Thanksgiving, Winter leave, and spring break.
It's a chance to see their world for the next 4 years.
Mandatory? No. But highly recommended! Everyone I know of who did not attend regrets it.