Like I said previously, each their own, and there is nothing wrong with that. I enjoyed Elevation a lot. One of the best U2 shows I have seen was on that tour. Chicago May 15 2001. I just did not understand what there was to "get" about it. I did not think dismissing someones opinion as you can't "get" it unless you were there has complete merit. As one that attended many Elevation shows I did not and do not feel there was some existential experience gained by simply attending Elevation that was not existant on any other U2 tour. My last post was more responding that comment which you did not make. Overall I preferred the Vertigo tour. I know I'm in the minority but I thought there was more "grit" to Vertigo if that makes sense. I think it was tougher tour on the band and that tends to a spark some great performances from the band (See Lovetown). It can spark some off nights also, and I'm not saying that did not happen. But it happens on all tours. I can also see our differences in tastes based on your favorite portion of Elevation. Other than the South Bend show I saw, the first leg Elevation shows I saw blew away anything I saw on the third leg of Elevation.
You said it best, Vertigo did not connect with you. It did with me. Personal experiences, particular shows, etc all play into it obviously. I'm not saying you are wrong because it is something you cannot be wrong about, but some of the reasons you did not like Vertigo were why I liked it. PLUS it had improved setlists for me. To me, it was like Elevation (IE similiar stage and production concept) with better setlists (No that doesn't make a tour, but it helps a lot IMO) and some gritier performances and I liked Elevation like I said. So you can see why for me personally, I prefer Vertigo.
The downsides to Vertigo were the Pride to Streets transition and the flags on Streets. That did not work IMO. They could have been a bit more original with the stage design also, it was pretty much an Elevation copycat stage. Although I did think the tracer lighting on the ellipse on Vertigo (the song) was cooler than any of the lighting effects they did on Elevation. I do not know what they could have done differently for an arena that would have worked better, other than maybe being in the center and in the round (and that may not have been better, who knows). Also dropping Running To Stand Still, bad move. Should have alternated with Miss Sarajevo at a minimum. Otherwise a very solid tour and still one of my favorites.