For every Richmond final since 2013 you've had to get there 3 hours early to get a balcony seat. For last year's prelim the line started really filling after 12pm.I prefer the reserved option, when I can't get there an hour before gates open to go for a balcony seat. When I get tickets for visitors, especially for games like Anzac Day, I always advise them that the $10 extra for a reserved seat is money well spent. But again, I can understand if others feel differently and choose not to spend even more money on tickets when they feel like they've already contributed a fair bit to their membership.
Reserved seats are convenient, but they're also inferior - L1 or L4 while the best seats are on L2 and L3.
As a restricted member, I've received the grand final morning email a few times offering the chance to pay $180-odd to attend. Hawks-Freo/Eagles, Swans-Dogs I think.
I was living in Richmond in 2012 when the Hawks and Adelaide played that classic prelim. I walked down at halftime and stood just outside the sliding doors on the balcony, next to the long room. I don't want to ever lose that option but I guess it's fair enough if people are dying to go.