I agree with BoilerUP... go to the interview. Who cares if you show up and are surrounded by CFI's? That will make you look better. If I interview someone who looks head and shoulders above everyone else I will come up with more money to recruit them. The more you appear confident, but not cocky, the better deal you can/will get.
I also agree it sucks to ask someone to pay for their own hotel for an interview, but that is the most it will cost you.