I fully understand the hatred of scalpers but I also kinda like knowing they're an option. I've bought a few overpriced tickets to events I really wanted to attend. I like that I can attend most events I'm interested in so long as I'm willing to pay for it. Is it worth $150 for a $50 ticket? Not usually, but sometimes.
There are plenty of systems that give those willing to pay more a better chance at securing tickets.
But what it really comes down to, is that it's hard to square any of those systems with many artists' desire to keep ticket prices as affordable as possible, so that their 'true' fans aren't priced out by profiteers, suits or yuppie douchebags.
The theoretical flip-side is that scalpers may create an artificial demand, which is what causes high prices. Obviously it's more complicated than that because price is also driven by demand & if the show isn't sold out then the scalper inventory is not worth more than face value. But when you do hear about scalpers in cahoots with ticket vendors or even the promoters - showing up getting escorted to the front of the line and buying up all of the front row seats - it's questionable whether they are doing a service or disservice.
It sounds to me like he doesn't want people to have an essentially guaranteed seat as long as they have a lot of cash. He'd rather people all pay the same and get in or not based on factors other than their wealth or spending. What you're implying is a bug, I believe he sees as a feature. If you fail to get a $50 ticket and then can't buy your way in at $150, that's the system working as intended.
