UncleCharlie said: "Maybe they were asking the best value OF SEATS THAT WERE CLOSER."
That's certainly what it sounds like to me. They were told the $40 seats were back of orchestra, full view, and that the $169 seats were a good deal closer, and that he felt they were good value for money. Others may disagree, there are shows I'd pay $169 to get that perfect view and call myself lucky, there are also plenty I'd say eh, the $40 ones are fine.