I've been a huge fan since '99 as well, though as I've described elsewhere I've not been to a single show. Because of an anxiety issue, concerts aren't something I think I can handle and a lot of it comes from what I'm hearing here. There is no shortage of this kind of rant, no shortage of stories of complete assholes bringing negative energy. And to me it just seems so bizarre. At a Phish show of all places you would expect everyone to just be happy to be there and wanting to enjoy. But nope, just a bunch of territorial gorillas getting upset you swayed in their general direction. Now I know; #notallPhans, but it really seems the only way to enjoy a show is hop in a time machine and go back to when I first started listening and that sort of treatment would be understandable towards a casual fan. But let's be real, most people at shows nowadays are too young to have been fans for long. Many of them were in diapers when I was in high school.
But what can be done? Nothing. The atmosphere would only ever change if the band themselves asked people to lighten up and that will never happen. Guess I'll just be content with youtube tour.