The whole upcharge on Early Entry really soured my buds and got me to just splurge on Express. On one hand, I'm glad I don't have to worry about these details anymore. On the other hand, before I was fighting the battles to pay GA and get everything done in one night (which I was doing great with), but in the end, that EE upcharge sealed the deal on Universal's side and helped them win the war to convert me.
I felt like that was the one shining savior I had to really put this event over many others, especially as a free perk. And while it is still half the price of Express, I still just can't justify that price considering the rise in GA ticket prices already. Literally, when I started going to this event, you could get in for under $30 and FOTL was $100. Early Entry felt like a fun party and perk for the big fans who cared enough to read the fine print or just wanted to show up early. Now it's just capitalizing on us.
Fine, take my money, you win, but at least I get to benefit with no lines as well.