Well that's the first time I've heard THAT story. I can't speak to the round money, but the entry fee + insurance surcharge in 2008 was $190. If you paid $180, you got a deal! All those magazines are still available online.
http://bluetoad.com/publication/?i=4473 pg 90 As for the crew fee, was it US or Canadian funds? There's been a difference at the Canadian events for at least a decade.
Since I've never heard of this before, and at least part of your story is demonstrably incorrect, I don't think it is fair to say "That is the IHRA way". I have NEVER been to an IHRA event where the entry fee or purse was changed, and it's fair to say I've been to a few...