Both NY and Boston have their logistical "nightmares". Whenever you have a point-to-point course and have to transport X amout of runners from point A to B, its going to suck. Since it usually means waiting around for hours for the start.. The 1.5 hour bus ride from Boston to Hopkinton isn't any more fun than the subway/ferry/bus ride to SI...
People don't run NY for the race or because its a fast course. They run it because its the NYC marathon. A course that attracts almost 40,000 runners, probably 1-2 million spectators, good support with drawbacks due to size. Extras that aren't available at smaller races (like timing mats at every mile from mile 16 to the end). Plus you wont have a problem finding anyone to run with if your speedy...
Yes its a log jam back in the mid-packers (maybe the wave system has improved that), but us letsrunner's are mid-packers are we and shouldn't have any problem with that....
I do admit Chicago/Houston are so much better logistically its scary. In Chicago you have well marshalled corrals, the start/finish are the same spot and you can stay in a nice hotel close to the start. Leave your hotel less than hour before the race and be right up front. Same thing in Houston. Plus the courses are fast...
Chicago has its drawbacks course wise especially when you go by the United Center area since its dead and you are out in the open sun, but might be a better "race" for the common folk than NYC. Hotels are cheaper, better logistically, good crowd support, fast course. Its just got a bad rap with the heat the past two years...
Houston is a well run race, but not up-to par of Chicago/Boston/NY. Such as not enough timing mat, half/full at same time. Plus you're usually running by yourself at the end....
I'll sign up for NYC since its my local marathon for the fall. So it is inherently cheaper than me than Chicago...