i've played this one several times, but for the WSOP main event rather than the PCA.
you're absolutely correct in assuming that you'll be at a disadvantage if you're not willing to rebuy / add-on.
i've been watching some of the PCA sats, and 9 times out of 10 it only pays one seat. tough proposition to say the least. when the wsop sats used to run, each of the $33+R games would pay 2-3 seats (i got 6th once for $650

).
if you can rack up ~ $120 $W, i'd say give it a shot. the PCA package is one of the best out there, and even if you bust out of the event on the first day you can still spend a week at a casino in the bahamas!
gw-