Is GC Standing still good these days?

So providing I get their early enough, I can likely get into the front section of
the GC with the FC? Just how early are we talking, from when the gates open? Is it a wristband situation so once you're in, you go to the bathroom/get a drink etc and feel safe that you can return to the same area?

yes, you get a wristband so you can come and go whenever you want to. I had GC-tix in Munich and the GC was split. I was in the back of the first GC and still had a good view. It don't know if they split it everywhere or if it was just for Munich for security reasons. There was enough room in the GC that I could go a couple of rows to the front when the band was on the circle. It's not that packed.