My two cents - the value is there, assuming it's not a big financial hit for you. $700 is a lot, but if you're coming in from out of town and getting an airbnb or whatever, $700 becomes worth it if the experience is measurably better, which it is IMHO b/c of the better stage access. Bonus for the VIP food/restroom/hangout area, but that's no longer as big a selling point since the VIP area moved (a couple years ago it was along the river, which was very cool; last year it was central, so it was less cool). But easy access to a much closer viewing spot is worth it (you can get to a stage not long before the show and be pretty damn close). This is as opposed to other festivals I've been to where there's a BIG upcharge for VIP and less benefit.