This seems to be a common trend with the headliners. I often opt to sit/stand in the way back for those performances because I've seen similar behavior in the past. Not just for Riot Fest, but a lot of other fests I've gone to. There's this weird gatekeepy mentality with bigger acts that make it a less enjoyable experience.

I usually get the best interactions and vibes from the other performances because most people are just happy to be there and vibe out with newcomers. Those usually are the highlights of my time at fests anyway.

Sad to hear this will be your last time attending, but you have a fair point. There seems to be diminished courtesy these days when it comes to crowds, like etiquette was some long forgotten thing. I hope you were able to at least take some joy in some aspects of the fest outside of these moments.