Dan,
 
Although I am NOT a morning person, I do not have a significant problem
with the "earlier" meetings idea for a conference.   It may further
decrease attendance at the earliest session (in exchange for increasing
attendance at the earlier afternoon session).
 
By the way,  what are the dates for the San Diego meeting?  There have
been several discussions about overlapping Sat. night (for airline rate
purposes).    Were those discussions directed only at future
convensions or at San Diego?