I know exactly what you mean. I was going to go to a show in Germany/Holland/Spain as a last minute trip, but becos of limited gold tix I have to decide now which I want to go to or just get General admission tix at the time. Like you say its not just the money - loads of fans last year turned up with GA tix and fanclub thinking theyd be in the pit but wernt.

Gold Standing is a rip off - the "pit" they talk about is half the pitch standing area!!