The best thing about this place is the setup. It's basically a big square with a stage at the end with huge stacks of amps where bands play. The sound quality can get muddy at times but the view is basically good from anywhere. Came out here some years back to see a metal show, and while it lasted it was okay.
The staff were dicks, but whaddya expect? Security: Don't say nothing to them and they won't say anything other than commands to you. The patrons: The Pantera-style metalheads were annoying but the old school thrasher and black metal kids were cool. I was from out of town and when I asked people for directions they were pretty cool. It was more than 100 degrees and raining so nobody wanted to be outside.
Ticket fees are just a thing with most venues. 95% of the venues I've been to all over the U.S. have some fee system if they advertise their shows through a network. These fees are no more onerous than ticketmaster or Livenation.
After the show was over (actually ended early because the power went out) the masses descended out into the streets outside this place. Then the Tempe P.D. swarmed the place looking to boost the local jail population and a few unfortunate souls got trapped in the mess. Tempe is a strange place you know...