just to throw one more out there...
I have been on the fringe of the TS for years and years. had friends who taped and hung out nearby, bringing them beers carrying the stand in and happily reaping the benefits as a music collector. In those days I could easily move around, get loaded, spun, whatever but Id drift back toward the section because,
a) my friends were there
and
b) i do better in the more tame surroundings away from the lip.
Then I became a patcher for many of the same reasons but now I got to come home with the show...
Since then I've made a few forays into the field with borrowed gear. The results have been mixed (one great recording, one... not) but It's been fun so far...