My first event was the 2014 FW champs, got absolutely trashed in some fights but I learned a lot from the experience - I would say go for it if you're alright with the prospect of your machine being totally written off (it is a competition event after all)

There will almost definitely be whiteboard fights too, there's always a few per qualifying session (usually 4 of those in a day) so if you're allowed to go for just those you'll be able to have a more relaxed atmosphere and won't have to worry about being forced to fight any of the 'big' spinners. I'd recommend just taking the plunge though, like I said you can learn an awful lot and as long as you build reasonably smart you should be OK I think