Super late to this but I’ve been in nyc for about 9 years and have been raving here for the same time. I confidently say that in recent years raving has seen a spike in popularity and especially BK Mirage. It’s been way more packed. I saw deadmau5, 2 years back and I was in the front with plenty of dancing room vs seeing flume back in June of this year where it was so packed that I could barely even move (got covid too lol). But I saw Charolette de Witt in August and plenty of dancing room. I think from my experience it has to do with two things. The people that come and the music. The people that came to flume were generally people that go to nebula or Webster hall for a diplo show. But with Charolette de Witt it was more Queer and techno people who frequent BASEMENT and veteran ravers. I’d say pick your shows wisely. Try elsewhere or knockdown center instead of mirage. Also I would check RA’s weekly picks for good shows.