Thats why I switched to cash games. All the tournament fun was really antisociable.
I dislike semi-known bands at concerts. They always insist on playing their own crappy songs for the entire evening and then play the one or two good songs they have towards the end. Chesney Hawkes was the best live act I've seen just because he did a load of covers well.
whenever i play tournys these days i just sell parts of myself to friends... and i buy parts of them when they play. it's a lot better that way. we dont have "make up" or anything... we just trade off buying pieces, and it's worked out well.
I usually play with at least 1 other person which makes it more bearable. Although when I stay at my parents house, I have to grind alone which blows. Sometimes I'll skype with another person who is grinding which helps me keep my sanity.