Steven if you goto Russia they do not know you, but an american tourist! I let you imagine which kind of tourist for exemple in a country like Ukraine..
This first. Second: it's a lot better to play at home then outside, if you have good arguments.
Clearly if it's too difficult for russian to have a visa, you have to go. But they should have the same difficulty also after, not only the first time! So why important for you the first time? Not a second time? This is suspicious!  ))))
Third time is always important in all human activities. To whaste time is always bad for both!