I think it should be first-come first serve. And I say that as someone who has been fortunate enough to get into the Ellipse twice (once after "earning it", so to speak, by waiting outside overnight, and once after arriving at the venue at 5:00 PM with a seated ticket, grabbing a GA at 6:00 PM, and getting lucky at about 7:00 PM).
What convinced me? Especially since I was the beneficiary of the lottery system?
Being several rows off the rail in the Ellipse last night in Milwaukee and witnessing firsthand what I have seen described here and in other forums; namely a large number of people in there who clearly had no appreciation for the magnitude of thier good fortune. Screwing around, not paying attention, talking throughout the whole show, etc. An example--the couple behind me HAVING A VERY LOUD CONVERSATION during Miss Sarajevo. Bono's up there belting out the Pavarotti part and these people are yelling about some inane shit that they could easily have discussed before or after the show. Many others around me didn't seem to know any of the songs.
When I think of all the die-hards who were outside the Ellipse and who would have appreciated being inside it so much more than many of those who got in, it makes me realize that although the band was trying to be egalitarian with the lottery system, all they accomplished was to ensure that a certain percentage (how large or small probably depends on the city, etc.) of the people who have the best spots at any given show may not be fans--even casual fans. I wonder if that vibe makes it up to the stage, or if they really only have awareness of the first few rows, which are usually filled with enthusiasm...
What convinced me? Especially since I was the beneficiary of the lottery system?
Being several rows off the rail in the Ellipse last night in Milwaukee and witnessing firsthand what I have seen described here and in other forums; namely a large number of people in there who clearly had no appreciation for the magnitude of thier good fortune. Screwing around, not paying attention, talking throughout the whole show, etc. An example--the couple behind me HAVING A VERY LOUD CONVERSATION during Miss Sarajevo. Bono's up there belting out the Pavarotti part and these people are yelling about some inane shit that they could easily have discussed before or after the show. Many others around me didn't seem to know any of the songs.
When I think of all the die-hards who were outside the Ellipse and who would have appreciated being inside it so much more than many of those who got in, it makes me realize that although the band was trying to be egalitarian with the lottery system, all they accomplished was to ensure that a certain percentage (how large or small probably depends on the city, etc.) of the people who have the best spots at any given show may not be fans--even casual fans. I wonder if that vibe makes it up to the stage, or if they really only have awareness of the first few rows, which are usually filled with enthusiasm...