Their focus does seem to be more on the Midwest and of course Canada. I didn't know they were booking that many rides in at the Big E, but then I should have thought about it when I found out they were booking in a lot more for Columbia.
Columbia is not a bad spot, its not the biggest of course, and its not Raleigh, but still a good spot.
I do remember that Conklin would have the smaller coaster at the Big E, and the WildCat and Double Looping in Columbia. Other big rides would make the jump, not always opening on time, but most of them. I went one year on the first Friday and they were still setting the Drop of Fear up in Columbia.