Hey Ken : It is my understanding, from 20 + years of attending Winterail, that the Stanley Room, ( that little room in the back ), is assigned to the newest vendors. There exists a sort of seniority system for swap meet tables, the same way that certain vendors get the spaces along the walls at the Boeing Swap Meet. When I first began attending Winterail in 1985, the Stanley Room was not used, nor was the outside patio area. I do recall buying some HO Scale train cars from some one selling from the trunk of his car in the parking lot, though.
It is also my understanding that some vendors prefer The Stanley Room, as there is more control over who looks at the stuff, ( i.e. -- Dining Car China & timetables ) and due to the smaller aisles, no one stands in front of the tables yacking in groups of 4 or more. This is quite a problem in the main room, according to some vendors I know.
The Winterail Swap Meet has indeed evolved over the years, from a 50% Model Railroad content to an almost exclusively Railroadiana content. The use of the outside patio areas for the big stuff is a smart move, as is the food court ( something else that wasn't there in 1985 ). I think Cheryl Meeker does an excellent job of balancing the many competing interests at the Winterail Swap Meet. The fact you were excluded from presenting @ The Railfan Magazine Pizza Party is solely the fault of Steve Barry and his crew. Please place the blame where it is due.