I love your anecdote here! I have never had anything but positive rush line experiences. I live in L.A. and usually take the red-eye to JFK. Lands at like 5 or 6 am and I take the subway to midtown and get right in a rush line! Usually by 7am. I have always gotten to see all the shows I want for under $50 and seats in the Orchestra - most of the time, front row. And I have met so many fun people in the rush line - and because we are in the rush line next to each other, we usually end up sitting next to each other at the show that night! I really really hope in-person rush continues after covid. I would miss it so much!