The reality is that some people have connections, some people are cheating and some people are getting lucky, or, more likely, some combination of those three things. If you have a group of 5 or 6 people attending a bunch of shows together, chances are one of them is going to scan, and we all know that "1 guest" really means "however many people Allison will let in"--I was told of one instance of 7 people getting in on one scan.
I think the worst part about the lottery is that it's been imperfectly and inconsistently administered, and has, obviously, created resentment and anger among the fans so that the assumption is that people who seem to get in more often than not are assumed to have gamed the system. It absolutely sucks to be outside the ellipse and see the same people inside--that was my experience for most of the tour so I totally get where the resentment comes from. At the same time, I got in three times in a row so I'm sure there are people who think I did something shady even though I didn't--I scanned once and my friend scanned the other two times.
One last comment--I think it's unfair to make assumptions about what someone meant when they said "Don't worry, we're in"--like u2forlife, my friends and I said that at every show as a positive thinking exercise--in my experience, it didn't work very well, but I can see how someone hearing that and then seeing us in the ellipse could think the worst even though it would be way off base.
I think the worst part about the lottery is that it's been imperfectly and inconsistently administered, and has, obviously, created resentment and anger among the fans so that the assumption is that people who seem to get in more often than not are assumed to have gamed the system. It absolutely sucks to be outside the ellipse and see the same people inside--that was my experience for most of the tour so I totally get where the resentment comes from. At the same time, I got in three times in a row so I'm sure there are people who think I did something shady even though I didn't--I scanned once and my friend scanned the other two times.
One last comment--I think it's unfair to make assumptions about what someone meant when they said "Don't worry, we're in"--like u2forlife, my friends and I said that at every show as a positive thinking exercise--in my experience, it didn't work very well, but I can see how someone hearing that and then seeing us in the ellipse could think the worst even though it would be way off base.
And I think it's fairly clear to anyone who is paying attention that the lottery was not run according to the rules initially set out. And ultimately, she's the one responsible.
You know, all that last-minute stuff! Anyway, thanks for asking. I get in line EARLY because of my vision so I can get close up - or TRY to. I also need a rail to hang on to because of my poor balance. I have a walker on wheels with a seat that I use when necessary but I try to avoid using it unless absolutely necessary. As for 4'11" ladies, well, as I get there early to try to get close up, so should they. I don't ever intend to get there at the last minute and expect to be let in front of everyone. If the 4'11" girls are in the back of the GA, I would think it's because they didn't get there early like I do. I am relatively short (5'3") but I never thought of that as being a physical challenge, but there's something to think about. My Stepmom is 4'11" and I think she's getting shorter. Hearing impaired? I think that's a good idea! I wonder if there are any hearing-impaired people who have ever brought this up, to have hearing auxiliary hearing devices. There actually is one place here in Nashville that does that! I'm an activist for people with phydical challenges, and not just vision but ALL of them. Two of my best friends are in wheelchairs so I include them in my activist-ness. When I told the guy at Banknorth in Boston that a friend of mine in CA who's in a wheelchair was let up front at a show, he said "We don't do thatr here, that's a fire hazard! I was infuriated! Let him say that to HER face! I work in the fire prevention department, so I have a good amount of knowledge in that area, so no one can give me that excuse and get very far!!! 
