Having been a greeter (for a few years before Larry died) I feel that for many people Burningman is a psychological and metaphysical enema that cleans a year's worth of angst and neurotic anxiety from many of its attendees.
Although it's possible the current forced solitude and inward isolation will refresh some, not having this incredible event will no doubt be troublesome for others.
Sounds like an opportunity to define what burning man can be online. In 2004 we all thought we would interact in a better second life form. Being able to feel like you were moving around in that environment felt important. Fast forward to today and a virtual conference is a video feed / possible some chat area. Doesn't feel as emursive as it once did.
I think this is the best thing to do at this time. I wouldn't be surprised if deadlines for contracts & permits were approaching, and at that point it's really hard to pull money back.
And of course it'll suck for a lot of people, but it's worth giving things a chance, to see what can be made of the Multiverse.
I suggest changing the URL to that of the BM post: https://journal.burningman.org/2020/04/news/official-announc...
Although the Slashdot post also quotes from SFGate, the quote selected is all quoting the BM post.