There seems to be an odd tendency here to try and define the “correct” way to attend HHN - specifically, to condemn folks who just want to “hang out” at the event rather then power through ten houses. Most nights, I fall into that “hang out” group, doing a couple houses early and then just soaking in the atmosphere. I’m not sure why that method of enjoying the event needs to be sacrificed - it feels very akin to Disney’s war on guests who prefer relaxed spontaneity in favor of the hard-charging ride collectors.
This and recent years have demonstrated the demand for the event. To a certain extent you can shuffle that demand, alter guest behavior, or even cut out some guests entirely by raising prices and altering ticket prices. The guest desire to attend the event remains, however, and you’re shifting the costs of the events overcrowding and failure to evolve entirely onto consumers. At some point the event itself will have to change to accommodate the demand, and that’s a much preferable solution to placing the entire burden on guests.