Heroes of Cosplay | EPIC FAIL?

Just watched Episode 1 of Heroes of Cosplay so I could formulate an opinion on my own outside of the masses upon masses of cosplayers and otaku in an uproar. So far I've heard good and bad reviews but most of the feedback revolving around this show is just... terrible. Otaku and "normal" people alike are not really feeling this show.
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So... let's start with the website.
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Episode Overview Given By SyFy

I wanted to see what the general public thought about this show because I follow and network with A LOT of cosplayers on a daily basis... actually I network with a lot of Otaku, Gamers, and people of Geek Culture in general, so I rarely have the opportunity to hear opinions from the greater population. I honestly try to stay away from it because I've found that many "normal" people have these very bias and judgemental opinions that don't actually have a root for their dislike or their root is very... weak to say the least. Just saying, "That's weird", "That's dumb", or "That's for kids, isn't it"? Is not enough for me. 

ANYWAY, my search of episode opinions was got sidetracked by some absolute BULLSHIT - the Heroes of Cosplay Episode One write up. The episode overview is just... bad. When you head to the official website for anything, you expect clean and concise explanations with little to no personal input but this entire blurb is the complete opposite. I'm convinced that they, literally, got somebody to watch the episode then hired them as a freelance author for very cheap. Not only is this article poorly done but whoever wrote it made their conversational tone too overwhelming for me to swallow and it pretty much sounded like they were criticizing the people in show (Specifically Victoria/Jinyo and the hobby in general - clearly shown in the little comment, "Becky acknowledges that cosplay is "a really expensive hobby," so cash prizes make a difference. Or switching to reading books from the library, but we suppose it's a bit late to suggest that as an alternative.") more than actually explaining the details of the episode. All I have to say is: Fuck you for wasting my time by explaining the episode overloaded by your snarky comments, lame humor, and personal opinion.
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The Comments

I'm not extremely surprised by many of the comments I saw. It's weird how the general public glorifies geek culture but when they're faced with REAL GEEKS, we're shunned completely with the always fun public & anonymous internet bashing. Many people, like me, came for the beauty and craft of Yaya Han. Some of the comments seem like people were interested in what cosplay is... then this show almost solidified that all geeks are crazy weirdos to them, which blows. Here's an example of comments of 2 completely different sides of the spectrum:

No, I don't block out names. I have no fucks to give.

Why the second guy thought it was necessary to bring up his past experience with Victoria to make some irrelevant point, I don't know. I mean seriously, how many years ago was that? People change and if you weren't talking to her or vis versa... chances are, your "observation" of her personality we completely self made. Whatever. You get my point.
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My Show Review

Short Opinion: I don't love it, but I do like it.

Longer Opinion: People, especially cosplayers and Otaku, are not giving this show a chance. Yaya Han said it best at the beginning of the episode, Cosplay is evolving from a subculture into pop culture. To cosplayers and otaku - this is your own doing. Taking cosplay and using it as a popularity contest to get more followers to know your face and name with the hopes of being a model or promoting your business will, indeed, begin to generate attention.

Cosplays introduction to the general public... shouldn't have been this. This show is mostly geared toward the competition and cosplay aspects of cosplay but honestly speaking, that's only 20% of the cosplay community. Most cosplayer's are normal people (mom's, dad's, children, college kids, and teens alike) who pull together things they have in there house and buy a few supplies here and there to build a decent costume. They save up every paycheck between their family or friends to get badges and split hotel costs. They carpool or ride the bus to a con with a little luggage because they're gonna meet up with someone they haven't seen in a while. They packed a costume, but they also packed some normal clothes (probably nerd merch) to walk around the artists alley or hit up the game room. They might've even made or bought a outfit for the nightly raves.

This is only episode one, but first impressions are everything. They neglected to show you that cosplay is cosPLAY; it's all about having fun. It's a hobby for most; this is showing people who LIVE cosplay. All of the people they showed on this episode are established cosplayers who have turned in the 9 to 5 to become costumers or professional cosplay models and even prop crafters. Not to say none of this stuff aired is a true account of cosplay, because it probably is... for them, but it's not a true to life account of the cosplay community and otaku culture for the greater population. It's not relatable and it kinda gives cosplay a bad name.
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EDIT: Cosplay is supposed to be artistic, self expression, & creative individuality and now it's like a cheesy popularity contest (and that's WITHOUT the help of this show). Most people don't even give a shit about geek culture; it's just a gateway for their business ventures which is making the art die slowly. Remember "Fake Geek Girls"? Yea, they're mainly the reason why cosplay is beginning to fall. I'm not gonna tag the girls who are doing it, but I know  a handful PERSONALLY. If you wanna read more about the topic, I suggest you read Victoria's Blogpost because she literally says everything I've ever wanted to say but could never find the words to. Also... I encourage you to read the comments. Seriously.
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I'm not at all surprised by the outcome of this episode in comparison to all the other shows on TV nowadays. Everything on TV now is scripted reality filled with drama and competition - America's Next Top Model, Iron Chef, Big Brother, Project Runway, Ink Master. If you have a talent or skill and can do it well, chances are somebody else thinks the same thing and just your luck - there's a TV show for that who wants to dangle money in front of your head with hopes that you'll verbally or physically rip someone to pieces and generate more viewers. Admit it: America has become brainwashed by TV and it's cut throat competitions feed our entertainments needs through our animal instincts.

Overall, this show is not half as bad as everyone was making it out to be. Will I watch it faithfully? Probably not, I actually don't watch TV. I catch shows here and there but my main interest is anime. I will watch the second episode though because I think... I think pilot episodes are kinda hit and miss.