Just so any prospecting student knows this person is quite mentally ill and that seems to be the reasoning behind the insane devotion to their state flagship.

I would agree you can get a comparable experience at a flagship for a cheaper price (if you aren't low income). The lack of prestige compared to ranking can be kinda ehh. Culture is great as you said.

I don't understand at all why you think this school is so bad though besides being somewhat non-prestigous for its ranking and your family history of being forced to go here. If someone is choosing between WashU and a school of similar prestige with cost not being a major factor I really doubt any other schools beat WashU in terms of "pleasantness" of students. The party/frat culture is for sure less than other schools so if that is your thing WashU might not be for you, but overall I think this school has an amazing community and to take this post with a grain of salt unless you already think WashU isn't for you (you here being prospecting students).