Serious: the New Black?

One of the things I sensed about Worldcon was a longing on the part of the fans for seriousness.

The program items featuring Paul Krugman were packed. Panels on political subjects were well-attended. A panel on the Drake Equation did well. Panels on social media were full--- but then you'd expect that, with everyone networked and urging their Twitter-friends to show up.

But even the philosophy panels were full!

Is high seriousness the hidden secret of the Montreal Worldcon? I suspect that it is.