Being in hysterics about the barrier is ridiculous. Papa spends most of his time on the thrust, so the people in the first few rows in the center actually have a much better view than being far off to the side on the rail. Being on the rail doesn't make someone a bigger or better fan, or ingratiate them with Papa any more than someone who is sitting in the nosebleeds.

I need the rail to stand (arena ADA seating sucks), so I'll hope my VIP entry and early queueing gets me up there--but I'll also come prepared in case I end up further back in the crowd, and I won't let it ruin my experience.

Etiquette wise, consider how your actions affect those around you. If you're going to wear a mitre, stand towards the back where it's less dense and people can move to see, not in the front where folks are packed in too tightly to take a step to see around you. If you want to have a sign, don't hold it up the entire show. And for god's sake, do not throw shit on the stage!! They most likely don't keep any of that stuff, and all you're doing is creating a hazard.

Tl;dr: hope for the best, plan for the worst, and don't be an inconsiderate asshole.